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Sustainable CT Holds 2025 Awards Celebration,
Announces $100K in Climate Leader Prizes to Connecticut Municipalities
Second Annual Campaign for a Sustainable CT is Launched
Majority Leader Jason Rojas Designated "Legislator of the Year"
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BOZRAH, CT, November 3, 2025 — Sustainable CT held its 2025 Annual Awards Celebration at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam on October 28 and announced prizes totaling $100 thousand to Connecticut municipalities to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, 30 towns and cities earned a total of 36 awards for 2025 – 28 municipal certifications and eight Climate Leader designations. The number of awards achieved this fall represents a new record for a single Sustainable CT certification cycle.
Dubbed “a big surprise” prior to the event, prizes to Climate Leader designees were announced to an appreciative audience of municipal administrators and volunteers. The prizes, $12,500 to each of the eight Climate Leader designees, are intended to help these communities continue to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
2025 Climate Leaders, and prize recipients, include East Haddam, Hamden, Manchester, Mansfield, Middletown, Norwalk, Pomfret, and Vernon. The prize program, a first in Sustainable CT’s seven-year history, will be repeated in 2026 and 2027, providing other Connecticut municipalities with incentive to pursue their own Climate Leader designations in the Sustainable CT certification program. The total amount to be awarded each year will be capped at $100K and divided equally to Climate Leader designees, so the amount dispersed to each town will depend on how many towns achieve Climate Leader designation in a given year.
Sustainable CT also took the opportunity to announce the kick-off of its “2025 Campaign for a Sustainable CT” to run through December 31, 2025. In its second year, this direct fundraising campaign to Connecticut residents invites the public to amplify its support for sustainability efforts across the state.
An important addition to this year’s Campaign is a gift drawing associated with the fundraising effort. Visitors to the Campaign’s donation platform can enter to win one of two special prizes: a Half Dome 2 tent courtesy of REI Norwalk (a $350 value) or an Electra Pronto Go! ebike courtesy of Mystic Cycle Centre (a $2700 value). A donation is not required to enter the drawing.
READ the FULL PRESS RELEASE>
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The Next Sustainable CT Coffee Hour: Thursday, December 18 at 10 a.m.
Yes, there is such a thing as too much coffee
The Coffee Hour is taking a break this month, shaking off the caffeine jitters, and gathering strength before the holidays. It will be back in December, though - tanned, rested and full of the beans - so don't store that latte cup too far back on the shelf.
You can join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal discussions most third THURSDAYS of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
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November's IMPACT: Former Fellows Make GREAT Colleagues
Meet former Fellows now filling critical roles at Sustainable CT
Summer Mitchell, Katie Meder, and Lilly Adamo - they're all former Sustainable CT Fellows, and now they're all filling important positions and doing critical work with Sustainable CT. Join us to hear where they came from, what they're doing, and where they hope to go in the sustainability field. They're fun, they're smart, and they're motivated to make an impact. Don't miss it.
This month's episode of the IMPACT will be available on November 15 on the Sustainable CT website, and wherever you get your podcasts.
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The Community Match Fund
Cooperate Connecticut grows the cooperative ecosystem
Cooperate Connecticut is a membership-based network catalyzing cooperative ownership and power. They seek to build an economy that meets the needs of all people and the planet over profit, one that is rooted in autonomy, interdependence, solidarity, and democracy. They bring co-ops and supporters across the state together to grow the local cooperative ecosystem through increasing access to information, education, training, technical and material support, networking, and collaboration. Between April and September, 2026, Cooperate Connecticut plans to host six monthly in-person meet-ups at a different location across the state. These events are a space for members and any local residents who are “co-op curious” to network, learn, and practice mutual aid. C'mon, let's cooperate!
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Have a great idea for a community project? We want to hear from you!
We provide fast, flexible funding to match local crowdfunding efforts dollar-for-dollar. Our Community Match Fund supports projects that have a free and public benefit, align with our action roadmap, and take place in a Sustainable CT registered town.
Need inspiration? Take a look at our Match Fund Year in Review. And then write to us:
funding@sustainablect.org
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Dorothy's Not in Kansas (or Connecticut) Anymore
Dorothy Piszczek, our beloved Program Manager, has embarked on a new adventure - traipsing about the New Zealand countryside for the southern hemisphere's summer. Dorothy did so much for Sustainable CT that it's hard to know where to start or finish - working with towns to help them over the Certification finish line, managing the Fellowship Program with consummate skill and good humor, and picking up the slack in hundreds of ways, big and small, that made all of our jobs easier and more impactful. Ka pai, Dorothy - best of luck and safe travels, always. You will be missed!
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Governor Lamont Announces $7.5 Million in Grants Awarded To Support Sustainable Waste Reduction
Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes announced that the Lamont administration is awarding $7.5 million in grants to 18 municipalities and regional organizations under the second round of DEEP’s Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Grant Program.
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DEEP Municipal Updates
The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) has funding sources, webinars and events, important announcements, and employment opportunities to share. Lots of great info for municipalities here.
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The 2025 Campaign for a Sustainable CT is On!
Our direct appeal to friends and partners — and everyone who cares about sustainability in Connecticut — is back. The Campaign for a Sustainable CT runs through December 31. It's your opportunity to to amplify support for sustainability efforts across the state.
And, just in case you needed more incentive, this year you'll have a chance to win one of two great gifts: a Half Dome 2 tent courtesy of REI Norwalk (a $350 value) ~OR~ an Electra Pronto Go! ebike courtesy of Mystic Cycle Centre (a $2700 value). A donation is not required to enter the drawing!
Let's stand for an inclusive, resilient, and vibrant Connecticut. Together we can build a Sustainable CT.
Be part of the action. Have an impact. GIVE.
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Yale School of the Environment: Fall 2025 Speaker Series on Sustainable Transportation
The Hixon Center's Fall 2025 Speaker Series on Sustainable Transportation continues in November. Join them to explore forward-thinking solutions in response to climate change, rapid urbanization, and growing global mobility. Experts will share practical insights and real-world examples from across the globe, shedding light on policies and innovations for a more sustainable, connected world. Visit hixon.yale.edu/event-series/sustainable-transportation to see a full list of upcoming speakers. All lectures are free and open to the public. November 4 and November 11, 12-1 p.m.
REGISTER>
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School Recycling: Virtual Technical Assistance
Join Sherill Baldwin from DEEP and Heather Billings from CET for technical assistance on school recycling. Sherill will provide an overview of CT recycling laws, the new school organics recycling law and available resources. Heather will provide a virtual site visit, share what she looks for when conducting a site visit and suggestions for where schools can begin or improve and build upon existing programs. November 4, 2:00 p.m.
REGISTER>
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CTData: Utilizing Housing Data Profiles to Support Sustainable Economic Development
If your town is pursuing Sustainable CT certification, The Partnership for Strong Communities (The Partnership) Housing Data Profiles is a crucial resource. Developed with local leaders, planners, and advocates in mind, the The Partnership Housing Data Profiles tool delivers essential county and town-level metrics on housing stock, affordability, demographics, and other economic indicators for your municipal growth and business development. Each of these indicators are provided for every Connecticut town as well as the state and planning regions. Join Sustainable CT, The Partnership and CTData for a webinar on how to use these Housing Data Profiles as you work on your Sustainable CT certification actions. November 5, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY>
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Preservation Connecticut Focuses on Topics Tailored for Municipal Officials
The Preservation Connecticut team invites you to their program collaboration with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. This event will delve into strategies for promoting the retention, use, and reuse of historic buildings and sites. Discover inspiring success stories and explore how incorporating preservation into planning can enhance our communities. An in-person event. Thursday, November 6, 10 a.m., at DeKoven House (Rockfall Foundation), 27 Washington Street, Middletown.
MORE INFO and REGISTRATION>
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Yale Clean Energy Conference
A leading global forum for energy access, finance, technology, policy, and careers. Join hundreds of attendees from countless sectors, organizations, universities, and industries for this flagship event in New Haven, Connecticut. Get your ticket to the Conference and experience the keynotes, workshops, pitches, network building activities, and lively discussions for yourself. An in-person event. November 06, 11 a.m. to November 8, 12 p.m., Yale School of Management, 165 Whitney Avenue, New Haven.
REGISTER>
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UConn Native Plants and Pollinators Conference
Join UConn's College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources for an exciting day of presentations featuring current science-based research and information on supporting pollinators in managed landscapes. Learn how native plants support pollinator health throughout the year. This program is designed for growers and other green industry professionals, landscape service providers, landscape architects and designers, town commissions, municipalities, and home gardeners. An in-person event. November 13, 8:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Student Union Ballroom (Room 330), 2100 Hillside Road, Storrs.
REGISTER to ATTEND>
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PACE Launches Clean Energy Action Center
People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE) is holding a special in-person event to introduce its new Clean Energy Action Center, an online tool aimed at helping towns understand their energy usage and chart a course to a clean energy world. November 14, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Lyceum, 227 Lawrence Street, Hartford.
REGISTER>
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CACIWC: 2025 Annual Meeting & Environmental Conference
Join the Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commissions (CACIWC) for a full day of educational workshops, informative displays, and special keynote presentations. Featuring a dozen multi-track workshops, including: Implementation of Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan, Updates on Approaches to Protection of Riparian Areas, The Why and the How of Land Conservation for Municipalities, and much more. An in-person event. November 15, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott Cromwell, 4 Sebethe Drive, Cromwell.
INFO and REGISTRATION>
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Connecticut Association of Flood Managers Annual Conference
Registration is open for the 12th CAFM Annual Conference and Meeting to be held at Central Connecticut State University. CAFM focuses on providing educational opportunities and dissemination of general and technical information to individuals concerned with sound floodplain management as well as to the general public. An in-person event. November 20, 8:15 a.m. to 4:05 p.m., Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain.
REGISTER>
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Capital for Change Hosts "Investing in Impact" Event
Join Capital for Change for an “Investing in Impact” event: an evening of celebration, connection, and community impact. Relax, enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres, sip on beverages, and unwind while networking with fellow community-minded individuals. There will be a brief program to express thanks and appreciation to Capital for Change valued investors and acknowledge key contributors. An in-person event. Free and open to the public. November 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Society Room, 31 Pratt Street, Hartford.
RESERVE a SPOT>
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CT Office of the Arts: Legal Help - Protecting the Creative Process From Studio to Stage
The Cultural Alliance of Western CT is teaming up with the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston to bring legal support to western Connecticut’s creative community. This free webinar will introduce the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) program and how it helps arts organizations. This webinar is intended for nonprofit leaders, board members, arts administrators, and anyone managing or supporting an arts or culture organization. December 2, 4-5 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY>
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Join us at Mohegan Sun on December 2
This convention is never conventional
Each fall, more than 1,100 attendees, including local government leaders from across the state and companies providing the best in products and services to towns and cities, gather together for two days of informative workshops, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities. And Sustainable CT will be there.
Along with the many workshops, exhibitors, and speakers, we'll be honoring our 2025 Climate Leaders - recipients of our first-ever Climate Leader prizes! Please join us in acknowledging their hard work and dedication, and do stop by our booth in the Exhibitor's Hall to say hello.
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