On Dec. 18, the Greenwich Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to join Sustainable CT, an exciting new initiative to support Connecticut’s cities and towns. The statewide initiative, created by towns for towns, includes a detailed menu of sustainability best practices, tools and resources, peer learning and recognition.
“The Town of Greenwich is excited about the opportunity to be a part of this comprehensive sustainability program,” said First Selectman Peter J. Tesei. “We already have a strong program working on individual sustainability measures but this program brings them all together. We look forward to working with the Sustainable CT program and other municipalities.”
The Sustainable CT platform supports a broad range of actions, such as advancing water conservation goals, reducing energy use and increasing renewable energy, implementing “complete streets” (streets that meet the needs of walkers and bikers as well as cars), improving recycling programs, assessing climate vulnerability and sea level rise, protecting cultural resources, supporting local businesses, and providing efficient and diverse housing options.
“Greenwich is looking at this tool to help us move our sustainability program forward,” stated Denise Savageau, Conservation. “As the lead department, the Conservation Commission intends to take full advantage of this road map to achieve our sustainability goals.”
There is no cost to participate and communities will voluntarily select actions that meet their unique, local character and long-term vision. After successful implementation of a variety of actions, municipalities will be eligible for Sustainable CT certification.
The initiative was developed under the leadership of the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University in partnership with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. Three Connecticut philanthropies – The Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Hampshire Foundation, and the Common Sense Fund – have supported the program’s development and launch.
“We are thrilled that Greenwich has passed a resolution to join Sustainable CT. The program builds on many current success stories in our communities to create and support more great places to live, work and play,” said Lynn Stoddard, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy. “The Town has a committed history to advancing sustainability initiatives, and we are looking forward to working with them as they pursue Sustainable CT certification.”
For more information on Sustainable CT see the program’s website: sustainablect.org or attend one of the many in-person regional, public events scheduled in January. See the website for location and registration details.
For more information, contact Greenwich Conservation Director Denise Savageau at denise.savageau@greenwichct.org or call 203-622-6461.
