Litchfield achieves 'Sustainable CT' certification
Willimantic, CT (06/01/2021) — Litchfield is one of the four latest towns to be certified by Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant. The community met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for bronze-level certification. The highest level of certification currently offered is silver.
Sustainable CT, managed by the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University, provides a framework to help towns and cities build their local economies, support equity and respect the finite capacity of the environment. The program's action roadmap and support tools are especially relevant as towns seek practices and resources to promote racial justice and recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
"Congratulations to our newest Sustainable CT certified communities," said Lynn Stoddard, executive director of the program. "They join a growing number of certified towns and cities that are demonstrating municipal practices that make our communities more inclusive, healthy, connected and strong."
Certified communities demonstrated significant achievements in at least eleven sustainability impact areas, ranging from community building, thriving local economies and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing. In addition, certified municipalities addressed issues of belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion when implementing sustainability actions. Sustainable CT provides free coaching and a virtual equity classroom to help municipalities with issues related to equity and racial justice.
Sustainable CT has seen strong momentum and growth as a valuable, high-impact program. To date, 121 municipalities have registered for the program, representing 84 percent of the state's population. Sixty-four municipalities, more than 37 percent of the state's communities, have earned Sustainable CT certification. Certification lasts for 3 years, with submissions rigorously evaluated by independent experts and other Sustainable CT partners.
"Sustainable CT Certified communities are models for all forward-looking local governments," said Joe DeLong, executive director of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM). "These municipalities have shown great leadership in completing many actions that increase sustainability while also saving money, promoting health, and deepening residents' connection to community." CCM will hold an awards ceremony to recognize Sustainable CT certified towns at their annual convention later this year.
Sustainable CT is independently funded, with strong support from its three founding funders: the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Smart Seed Fund and the Common Sense Fund. Additional supporters include: the Connecticut Green Bank, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, Connecticut Community Foundation, Fairfield County Community Foundation, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, Main Street Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Middlesex County and the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain.
For more information, visit www.sustainablect.org.
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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving more than 4,000 students annually at its Willimantic campus and satellite locations. In addition to attracting students from 162 of Connecticut's 169 towns, Eastern also draws students from 33 other states and 20 countries. A residential campus offering 40 majors and 60 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal art foundation grounded in a variety of applied learning opportunities. Ranked as the #1 public regional university in New England by U.S. News and World Report in its 2021 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review 11 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.
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Litchfield earned points towards Sustainable CT certification for their vibrant farmers' market.