Stonington Achieves Two Sustainability Awards- Sustainable CT and SolSmart Bronze

Stonington achieved Sustainable CT’s Bronze certification earlier this month. Awards are given to communities that demonstrate significant achievements in at least twelve sustainability impact areas, ranging from vibrant arts and culture to resiliency planning and inclusive housing.  

Working closely with the First Selectman’s Office, the Department of Economic and Community Development oversaw a multi-year process of assessing, gathering and analyzing Stonington’s existing and prospective programs and plans. Many Town Departments, Commissions and Boards provided data, allowing Team Stonington to plan and accomplish specific objectives within the Sustainable CT framework.

Stonington’s actions included, but were not limited to, creating a brownfield inventory and redevelopment plans; inventory and promotion of local products and services; provide resources to support local business; creating a watershed management plan; enhancing pollinator pathways; mapping tourism and cultural assets; developing agriculture-friendly practices; preserving natural resources; assessing climate vulnerability; benchmarking and tracking municipal energy use; promoting the C-PACE energy program; developing and promoting community gardens; innovative practices related to solid waste management; and strengthening municipal capacity to address homelessness.

Sustainable CT is celebrating its fifth anniversary this November and has seen strong momentum with 129 municipalities now participating in this program, representing nearly 90% of the state’s population. Collectively, 62 municipalities have earned Sustainable CT certification, with 24 municipalities earning it for 2022.

This month, Stonington also received Bronze designation from the national SolSmart program for its success in making it faster and more affordable for homes and business to utilize solar. SolSmart is a U.S Department of Energy funded recognition program for communities that have taken proactive steps to reduce solar costs and barriers, and promote the energy saving use of solar power.  

This effort is thanks, in large part, to the dedicated efforts of Julia Parry, a resident volunteer on Stonington's Climate Change Task Force, working in partnership with our Planning and Zoning and Building Department teams. This is one step, among many, needed for diversifying our energy sources within the community.  

The Stonington team is working across town Departments, with Boards and all interested residents, to achieve more Sustainability related objectives. Stay tuned for upcoming information on our March ‘Energy Fair’ and other exciting initiatives. Anyone interested in getting involved across a range of Sustainability initiatives, please contact the Selectman’s Office or the Director of Economic and Community Development. You can also read more on our Sustainable Stonington webpage.