Mansfield reaffirmed with silver level certification from Sustainable CT

Connor Linskey, The Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.
·2 min read

Nov. 12—MANSFIELD — On Nov. 7, the Town of Mansfield announced that its Silver level status had been reaffirmed with Sustainable CT.

Certification lasts for three years, with submissions rigorously evaluated by independent experts and other Sustainable CT partners. The town first received Silver level status in 2019, so this year marked its first recertification process.

Sustainable CT is a statewide, voluntary certification program that supports sustainability best practices in Connecticut municipalities. Silver- level certification is the highest level of certification currently offered by Sustainable CT.

Sustainable CT offers support to help towns implement actions that build community connection, social equity and longterm resilience. Certified communities demonstrated significant achievements in at least 12 sustainability impact areas, ranging from thriving local economies and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and affordable housing. In addition, certified municipalities addressed issues of equity and inclusion when implementing sustainability actions.

Sustainable CT is celebrating its fifth anniversary this November and has seen strong momentum and growth as a valuable, high-impact program.

129 municipalities are participating in this free program, representing nearly 90 percent of the state's population. Collectively, 62 municipalities, which makes up nearly 37 percent of the state's communities, have earned Sustainable CT certification.

Mansfield Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth said that the town is pleased that its Silver level status has been reaffirmed.

" We are extremely proud of this designation and appreciative of the Sustainability Committee and Town staff who took the lead in updating our enhanced application for Silver this year," Aylesworth said in a press release.

Aylesworth added that the Silver level status shows that Mansfield is a model for other municipalities.

" This rating sets Mansfield as an example among other Connecticut municipalities — showcasing best practices," he said in a press release.

In addition, Sustainable CT awarded its first-ever Climate Leader designations this fall. The program was piloted in 2022 to support the acceleration of municipal actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate.

Through successful implementation of multiple climate actions, five towns earned distinction as the first cohort of Sustainable CT Climate Leaders: Fairfield, Glastonbury, New Britain, Stratford and West Hartford.

Lynn Stoddard, executive

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