On May 29, the West Haven City Council voted to join Sustainable CT, an exciting new initiative to support Connecticut’s cities and towns.
The statewide initiative, created by towns for towns, includes a detailed menu of sustainability best practices, tools and resources, peer learning, and recognition.
“On behalf of the members of the City Council and the people of West Haven, I am delighted to announce our participation in Sustainable CT,” Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said. “My administration is committed to working with Sustainable CT to develop and implement renewable energy initiatives, such as solar, wind or water power, in our community. These initiatives will enhance our quality of life while improving the environment and will strengthen our goal of becoming a green city.”
The Sustainable CT platform supports a broad range of actions, such as improving watershed management, supporting arts and creative culture, reducing energy use and increasing renewable energy, and implementing “complete streets” — streets that meet the needs of walkers and bikers as well as cars — along with improving recycling programs, assessing climate vulnerability, supporting local businesses, and providing efficient and diverse housing options.
There is no cost to participate, and communities will voluntarily select actions that meet their unique local character and long-term vision. After the 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.
“We are thrilled that West Haven has passed a resolution to join Sustainable CT,” said Lynn Stoddard, director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy. “The program builds on many current success stories in our communities to create and support more great places to live, work and play. We are looking forward to working with the city as it pursues Sustainable CT certification.”
For more information on Sustainable CT, visit the program’s website at www.sustainablect.org.