The City of Hartford received its 2021 Fall Sustainable CT certification, receiving the silver-level distinction, the highest level of certification offered by Sustainable CT. Hartford is among twenty-three Connecticut municipalities this fall to be recognized for a broad range of sustainability accomplishments.
“We are proud to see Hartford recognized once again with a Sustainable CT silver-level certification,” said Mayor Luke Bronin. “Our administration and our staff are committed to building a greener, more sustainable and more resilient city, from promoting clean energy and bike- and pedestrian-friendly streets to diverse housing and abundant green space. We have an enormous amount of work still to do, but I’m proud of the work our team has done and I want to thank Sustainable CT for their leadership in building a more sustainable Connecticut.”
“People across Hartford are taking steps to fight climate change,” said Shubhada Kambli, Sustainability Director for the City of Hartford. “Recognition by Sustainable CT highlights transformative work by grassroots organizations, volunteer-led neighborhood groups, City staff, utilities, businesses, and government agencies at all levels. With a variety of initiatives such as energy retrofits, our tree canopy efforts, the POCD, Love Your Block, rain barrel distributions and environmental education, Hartford’s climate action momentum is primed to keep growing.”
Sustainable CT has seen strong momentum and growth as a valuable, high-impact program. One-hundred twenty-five municipalities have registered for the program, representing 86% of the state’s population. Collectively, sixty-four municipalities, 60% 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.
“Congratulations to our newest Sustainable CT certified communities,” said Lynn Stoddard, Executive Director of the program. “We are inspired by the leadership and collaboration of elected officials, staff and residents to make Connecticut communities more inclusive, healthy, connected, and strong.”
The program includes actions that help towns and cities build community connection, social equity, and long-term resilience. The program’s action roadmap and support tools are especially relevant as towns seek practices and resources to promote racial justice, respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and address climate change.
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 support is provided by the Connecticut Green Bank and a growing number of community foundations and other sponsors.
Hartford and all 2021 certified communities will be recognized later this month at the Annual Convention of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. For more information, visit www.sustainablect.org.
