Submitted by (see list below)
With the election behind us and new leadership in place, now is an important time to prioritize meaningful action on sustainability in the planning and budgeting process. Town processes can be slow and resistant to change, but Greenwich has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to plan for a future that could deliver hard choices for the unprepared. To be ready, clear priorities, transparent decision-making and commitment to policies that strengthen resilience and environmental health must be put in place. Greenwich has the talent, expertise, and community passion to lead; now our elected officials must follow through with bold, practical action.
Adopt a measurable climate action plan and transition to clean energy
To begin, a comprehensive Climate Action and Resilience Plan — one grounded in measurable goals, clear timelines, and transparent progress reports — would provide a map across administrations. The Town has committed to installing solar panels on the new Central Middle School facility and Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, but opportunities abound for solar, geothermal and electric vehicle charging stations across public facilities — from schools, libraries and fire stations to Town Hall itself. Imagine Town Hall with solar panels — a visible sign that Greenwich is ready to lead! These steps are not only environmentally sound but also fiscally responsible, cutting operating costs immediately and reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel energy markets — a smart investment in both our town’s future and its financial health.
Hire a dedicated staff officer
Regular sustainability reports tracking energy use and sustainability benchmarks would keep everyone honest and focused. These steps require dedicated staff, such as a Sustainability Director and an Energy Specialist, empowered to coordinate across departments and make sustainability a core budget priority — not an afterthought. Such positions would pay for themselves by finding grants and funding to underwrite necessary projects.
Modernize waste management
Waste management needs to meet current reality. By implementing a revised master plan, the outdated Holly Hill Transfer Station should be reimagined as a safer and more-efficient resource recovery hub. Onsite processing of food and yard waste could cut the town’s carbon footprint and provide nutrient rich compost for the community, while saving money in the long term. A swap shed could promote reuse, and improved recycling systems could recover more materials instead of sending them to landfills and incinerators. Greenwich must commit to a long-term strategy that cuts waste and moves toward zero waste goals.
Advance sustainable transportation
Transportation reform is another key piece. Walking, biking, and public transit can be safe and practical alternatives to driving. Fully funding the town’s Active Transportation Plan — including protected bike lanes, sidewalks, and safer crossings — would make a real difference. Electrifying the municipal fleet and TAG buses would show that Greenwich is serious about cutting emissions.
Build resiliency
Finally, responsible planning means preserving the natural environment and protecting our town from extreme weather events. That includes strengthening the Grass Island Wastewater Treatment Plant against flooding and coordinating stormwater management efficiently across departments with systems that meaningfully reduce stormwater runoff.
To ensure the protection of critical forests and tree canopy cover that reduce flooding risk, Greenwich must establish dedicated funding mechanisms for open space and conservation.
Real leadership is about getting results, not credit. It’s about recognizing that climate action and sustainability aren’t optional “extras” but core to fiscal responsibility, public health, and quality of life. Greenwich can lead — with leaders ready and willing to step up.
Signed by the following members of the Greenwich Sustainability Committee,
Patricia Adams
Julie DesChamps
Vincent DiMarco
Ali Ghiorse
Jimena Fernandez
Rachel Khanna
Myra Klockenbrink
Stephanie O’Donnell
Joan Seguin
Svetlana Wasserman