Press Release - Old Saybrook Awarded Silver Level Recognition for Sustainability

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The Town of Old Saybrook is among seventeen Connecticut municipalities to be recognized this fall for achieving Sustainable CT certification.  Old Saybrook met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious silver-level certification.  The highest level of certification currently offered is silver.

Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, announced its 2020 fall certified communities this week. 

First Selectman Carl P. Fortuna, Jr. stated: “I am so proud of our team and the work that has gone into obtaining this certification. This is a major accomplishment-silver certification is awarded to only a handful of towns statewide. After receiving bronze certification a few years ago, we pushed forward for silver knowing sustainability is important to our community at large. Many of the programs that helped us achieve silver certification have been priorities for my administration since 2011. We will continue to build upon our efforts to date to make Old Saybrook a model community in sustainability.”

In its application for Sustainable CT certification, Old Saybrook 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.  Old Saybrook’s successfully completed actions included growing sustainable and affordable housing options, supporting local businesses with clean energy options, assessing climate vulnerability, and building and strengthening municipal processes to be more inclusive, cohesive and representative of all community members.

Old Saybrook’s Land Use Department coordinates the Town’s Sustainable CT efforts. “Using the Sustainable CT program as a guide for our efforts will help to ensure that Old Saybrook continues to be a wonderful place to live and visit well into the future”, said team leader Lynette Wacker.

Sustainable CT has seen strong momentum and growth as a valuable, high-impact program.  One-hundred twelve municipalities have registered for the program, representing 80% of the state’s population.  Collectively, sixty-one municipalities, over 36% of the state’s communities, 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 is managed by the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University and includes actions that help towns and cities build community connection, social equity, and long-term resilience.  The program’s action roadmap and support tools are especially relevant as towns seek practices and resources to promote racial justice and respond to the COVID-19 crisis. 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.

Old Saybrook and all spring and fall 2020 certified communities will be recognized later this year at the Annual Convention of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities in December.  For more information, visit www.sustainablect.org.