LYME, CT – On Wednesday, June 1, the Town of Lyme announced that is one of four Connecticut municipalities to be recognized this spring for achieving Sustainable CT certification. Lyme met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious bronze-level certification.

Sustainable CT is a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient and inclusive. The organization announced its 2022 spring certified communities this week.

In learning of the award, Lyme First Selectman Steven Mattson said, “I would like to thank the hard-working team of volunteers on our Sustainable Committee, as well as the volunteers on our boards and commissions, elected officials and Town staff who made this accomplishment possible. The award is further proof that Lyme is a great place to live.”

In its application for Sustainable CT certification, the Town of Lyme demonstrated significant achievements with 18 actions in 12 sustainable impact areas. The Town was awarded points for its:

-Emphasis of the importance of open space

-Adoptions of an equity resolution and an affordable housing plan

-Expanded communications with residents

-Active promotion of resources for:

> maintaining dark skies

> fighting invasive plant species

> buying local

> linking residents to area social services and public transportation.

Programs of note that were launched as part of the Town’s efforts to receive certification include the Lyme Pollinator Pathway and Lymes’ Creative Arts.

More information on all of these activities can be found at this link.

Lyme Sustainable Committee Chair Gavin Lodge said, “Being designated as a Sustainable CT municipality is a great honor and reflects a true team effort on the part of many volunteers, boards and commissions.”

In particular, Lodge thanked the 11 volunteers, who serve on the Sustainable Committee:

Sue Cope

Sarah Crisp

Diana Fiske

Liz Frankel

Carleen Gerber

Wendy Hill

Carol House

John Kiker

David Lahm

Jim Miller

Alan Sheiness

Cynthia Willauer

The Town needed at least 200 points to achieve bronze certification and received 275 points. Lodge said the next step would be looking at taking Lyme to silver certification, the highest current level of certification available.

Sustainable CT has seen strong momentum and growth as a valuable, high-impact program. One-hundred twenty-nine municipalities have registered for the program.

Collectively, 64 municipalities 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. “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.”

The program includes actions that help towns and cities build community connection, social equity and long-term resilience. It includes an action roadmap and support tools that are especially relevant as towns seek practices and resources to promote racial justice and respond to the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19.

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, Connecticut Community Foundation, Fairfield County Community Foundation, Main Street Community Foundation and other sponsors.

The Town of Lyme and all 2022-certified communities will be recognized later this year at Sustainable CT’s annual certification awards ceremony and celebration scheduled to be held in November.

For more information about Sustainable CT, contact Sustainable CT Communications Manager Jim Hunt at 860-259-4732 or jamesh@sustainablect.org.