The Greenwich Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to join “Sustainable CT,” a statewide initiative, created by towns for towns, that 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,” First Selectman Peter Tesei said in a press release. “We already have a strong program working on individual sustainability measures, but this program brings them all together.”
The Sustainable CT platform includes 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,” said Denise Savageau, director of Conservation department, which is the lead department for Greenwich on the initiative.
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.
For more information on Sustainable CT see the program’s website:
www.sustainablect.org or attend one of the many in-person regional, public events scheduled in January. See the website for location and registration details.