East Hartford Receives Sustainable CT Certification
East Hartford, CT— East Hartford is proud to be among the Connecticut municipalities to receive a Sustainable CT certification. East Hartford met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious Sustainable CT Bronze certification.
Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, announced its 2019 certified communities this week.
“East Hartford is proud to receive this certification as a sustainable community,” said Mayor Marcia Leclerc. “It’s been one of my priorities to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs while working on transforming the Town’s infrastructure, and this award serves as a prestigious recognition of these efforts”
In its application for Sustainable CT certification, East Hartford demonstrated significant achievements in actions in nine sustainable impact areas ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing. Specifically, East Hartford’s successfully-completed actions included the conversion of all Town street lights to efficient LED lighting, the demolition of Showcase Cinemas, creation of bike lanes, construction and use of solar panels for renewable energy, and improved access to quality food sources.
The Sustainable CT certification lasts 3 years, with the state’s first cohort of municipalities certified in 2018. Collectively, forty-seven municipalities, over 27% of the state’s communities, have earned Sustainable CT certification. Certified communities span every county and include some of Connecticut’s largest cities and smallest towns.
“Congratulations to our 2019 certified Sustainable CT communities,” said Lynn Stoddard, Executive Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University, which administers the program. “We are inspired by your leadership and eager to share your accomplishments in building efficient, thriving, and resilient communities.”
A program that empowers municipalities to create high collective impact for current and future residents, Sustainable CT is managed under the leadership of the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University.
Sustainable CT is philanthropically-funded, with strong support from its three founding funders: the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Common Sense Fund, and the Smart Seed Fund.
East Hartford and other certified communities will also be recognized on December 3 at the Annual Convention of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.
For more information, visit www.sustainablect.org.