Staff
Nov. 21, 2020
New Canaan is among 17 Connecticut municipalities to be recognized this fall for achieving Sustainable CT certification.
New Canaan has met standards in a range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the Bronze-level certification, an announcement from the program said.
Sustainable CT also inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient and inclusive. It announced its 2020 fall certified communities last week.
“This award further highlights New Canaan’s commitment to sustainability projects,” First Selectman Kevin Moynihan said.
“From continued installation of solar panels on town buildings to the preservation of open space, New Canaan looks to be a leader in sustainability in Connecticut,” Moynihan said.
New Canaan demonstrated achievements in actions in nine sustainable impact areas ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation in its application for Sustainable CT certification.
The town also completed actions such as establishing The New Canaan Pollinator Pathway, conversion of town lamp posts to energy efficient LED lights, townwide adoption of an Integrated Pest Management program, increased recycling of non mandatory items such as textiles and Christmas trees, as well as numerous sustainability programs offered throughout the year.
Robin Bates-Mason, Sustainable Team leader, said, "I'm thrilled we were able to achieve our Bronze level certification, as it wasn't the easiest process during the (coronavirus pandemic), Sustainable Team leader Robin Bates-Mason said.
“New Canaan had already begun many sustainable programs, which we were able to submit with our application, so that was a big help. I'm most excited about the Sustainable CT Community Match program. Since the resolution to join Sustainable CT passed the Board of Selectmen this year, organizations in New Canaan now have access to the matching fund. Friends of Bristow and Planet New Canaan have already had successful fundraisers through the Community Match Fund and I hope more town organizations look to use the program for projects that benefit the community," Bates-Mason said.
Sustainable CT, which is also a Connecticut initiative, has seen strong momentum and growth as a valuable, high impact program. One-hundred twelve municipalities have registered for the program, representing 80 percent of the state’s population.Collectively, 61 municipalities, which amounts to over 36 percent of the state’s communities, have earned Sustainable CT certification.Certification lasts for three years, with submissions rigorously evaluated by independent experts and other Sustainable CT partners.
“Congratulations to our newest Sustainable CT certified communities,”Lynn Stoddard, the executive director of the program said. “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.”
Sustainable CT is independently funded, with strong support from its three founding funders: the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Common Sense Fund and the Smart Seed Fund.
Additional support is provided by: the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, the Connecticut Community Foundation, the Fairfield County Community Foundation, the Main Street Community Foundation, and other sponsors.
New Canaan and all spring and fall 2020 certified communities will be recognized in December 2020 at the Annual Convention of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.
More information about this can be found at www.sustainablect.org/.
