Torrington Joins Sustainable CT
Torrington Joins Sustainable CT
On December 18th, the Torrington 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.
“As we continue to experience the challenges of dwindling state resources, it is so important that we take steps to develop sustainability, and even resiliency. Sustainable CT goes beyond the actions we can take to preserve our environment by providing us with resources that will help reduce our operating costs, develop economic wellbeing, create a vibrant and creative cultural ecosystem and build a sense of community through achievable and measurable goals. I’m grateful for the City Council for their support of our efforts and look forward to working towards our goals of greater sustainability” said Mayor Carbone.
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, implementing “complete streets” (streets that meet the needs of walkers and bikers as well as cars), 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 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 (CCM). 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 Torrington has passed a resolution to join Sustainable CT. The program builds on many current success stories in our communities to create and support more great places to live, work, and play," said Lynn Stoddard, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy. "The City has a committed history to advancing sustainability initiatives, and we are looking forward to working with them as they pursue Sustainable CT certification."
For more information on Sustainable CT see the program’s website: www.sustainablect.org or attend one of the many in-person regional, public events scheduled in January. See the website for location and registration details.