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06/16/2023 07:24 AMGuilford is among the Connecticut municipalities to be recognized this year for achieving Sustainable CT Climate Leader designation.
Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, recently announced this year’s list of certified and Climate Leader communities.
Guilford achieved Sustainable CT silver-level certification in 2022 and now adds the prestigious Climate Leader designation to its accomplishments for exceptional leadership in addressing climate change and fostering resilience.
“Once again, I am proud of our community for having supported so many initiatives that have allowed us to attain the Climate Leader Designation. As Guilford joins a select group of CT communities, I want to thank the Guilford Sustainable Task Force for their leadership and work in documenting our successes,” said First Selectman Matthew Hoey.
In its application for Sustainable CT Climate Leader designation, Guilford demonstrated significant achievements in implementing strategies and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance climate resilience, and promote sustainability. Their efforts encompass a broad spectrum of activities such as community engagement, green infrastructure development, clean energy adoption, and climate adaptation planning.
Specifically, Guilford successfully completed actions including developing an open space plan, increasing and improving our preserved open spaces, achieving Bronze status in the SolSmart program, adopting a Complete Streets policy and implementing Complete Streets projects, assessing locations for installing additional electric car charging stations, and implementing our Heat Smart campaign. Guilford is one of the first nine municipalities in Connecticut to earn designation as a Climate Leader.
“Members of the Sustainable Guilford Task Force are proud to help highlight the important work of our Town’s officials and staff toward implementing sustainable policies and practices to ensure the resiliency of our community now and into the future,” said Sustainable Guilford Task Force Chair Terri Cain. “Focusing on these actions outlined by Sustainable CT brings our community together to improve our quality of life at the local level as well as raises awareness of our interconnections with global climate issues.“
“Congratulations to our Climate Leaders,” said Lynn Stoddard, executive director of Sustainable CT. “The decisions of local government – from zoning to transit systems, sidewalks, and building codes - play a huge role in determining the carbon footprint and resilience of residents and businesses. We are inspired by the leadership and commitment of these communities.”
Sustainable CT is independently funded, with strong multi-year support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, Connecticut Green Bank, Common Sense Fund, and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
Guilford and all of this year’s certified and Climate Leader communities will be recognized at Sustainable CT’s Awards Celebration this Fall.