Sustainable Connecticut
The Town of Stratford on November 1st was designated by Sustainable Connecticut as a Climate Leader at the annual Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) Conference and the award will be presented once more at the upcoming Sustainable CT Awards Celebration on November 14th in West Hartford.
Sustainable Connecticut was created by towns, for towns as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Municipal leaders and residents from across the state, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, and people from key agencies, non-profits and businesses collaborated to develop the program during 2016 and 2017.
The Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University led and coordinated program development, with generous support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, and Common Sense Fund.
Stratford was previously certified by Sustainable CT in both their Bronze and Silver categories. This year marked the introduction of the Climate Leader program under Sustainable CT’s certifications and only five towns were awarded the designation: Stratford, Fairfield, West Hartford, Glastonbury, and New Britain.
Sustainable CT offers support to help towns implement actions that build community connection, social equity, and long-term resilience through various efforts and programs.
Communities that were awarded a certification demonstrated significant achievements in at least twelve sustainability impact areas. In addition, certified municipalities addressed issues of equity and inclusion when implementing sustainability actions in their communities.
The Climate Leader Designation focused on supporting the acceleration of municipal actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate. The Town of Stratford was recognized for various completed and ongoing projects that implement climate efforts within their structuring and execution.
Mayor Laura Hoydick accepted the award on the Town’s behalf at the CCM conference with Molly Ryan, a member of the Town team that submitted the application for Sustainable CT’s Climate Leader.
“I am greatly appreciative Sustainable CT has recognized Stratford’s many efforts in combatting climate change and doing our part to protect and preserve the local environment,” shared Mayor Laura R. Hoydick. “The work recognized by Sustainable CT would not have been possible without the multitude of departments working to execute any and all climate efforts made by the Town. In being one of the first in the state to receive the Climate Leader Designation, I hope for Stratford to be an example to other towns who are working to combat climate change in their community based on their
local environment’s specific needs. It is an honor to have received the designation; we look forward to continuing our work as a Climate Leader in the state of Connecticut.”
“We are excited to acknowledge the accomplishments and leadership of Stratford as one of Sustainable CT’s first 5 Climate Leaders,” shared Lynn Stoddard, Executive Director of Sustainable CT. “These towns are showing that local actions have global impact and providing examples of climate solutions and inspiration for towns across Connecticut and the country.”
