Fairfield Earns New Honors For Community Sustainability Efforts

Town Matches Strong Pace of Municipalities Nationwide In Supporting Clean Energy, Cutting Energy Waste

Fairfield, CT, February 9, 2021 -- The Town of Fairfield has earned new honors for its successful sustainability efforts, including recognition as a leader among small and midsized communities across the country in adopting clean, renewable energy.

In December, Fairfield was one of 30 communities in the states of California, Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota and New Jersey cited by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for efforts to cut energy waste and embrace clean energy.  The Town ranked 15th among the 30 communities honored in the ACEEE’s Sustainable States Community Energy Challenge, which assessed municipalities’ efforts to make energy efficiency upgrades in homes and businesses, accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, set long-term commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and establish and enforce building codes.

Renewable Energy Goals Draw Praise

Fairfield, in particular, was cited for establishing renewable energy goals for municipal operations and the entire Town, and for implementing the Town’s “Complete Streets” policy, which is aimed at ensuring that Fairfield considers the needs of all users of the Town’s roads when planning and developing transportation projects. The policy was written by volunteers of the Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and endorsed by the Board of Selectmen in 2018.  

“This recognition is an outstanding achievement for Fairfield, demonstrating that the Town is keeping pace with and even surpassing the efforts of many of the nation’s largest communities when it comes to supporting the adoption of environmentally friendly energy sources,” said Brenda Kupchick, Fairfield First Selectwoman.

Fairfield also has earned Bronze level recognition in the CTrides Transportation Leaders Program, which recognizes employers, including municipalities, that distinguish themselves by contributing to efforts to reduce traffic congestion and harmful auto emissions that cause climate change. A program of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, CTrides helps the state’s employers and employees reap the financial, environmental and productivity benefits of reducing single-rider commuting.

As part of Fairfield’s 2020 Green Wheels Expo on sustainable transportation, the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force (SFTF) provided information on Teleworking - Guidelines for Working at Home, a vitally important resource for employers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Town Plan Provides Idea Starters on Sustainability for Residents

Details of Fairfield’s shared sustainability efforts and goals are compiled in the Town’s newly updated Sustainability Plan, which provides a wealth of idea starters for residents who want to help preserve  Fairfield’s health and vitality as well as maintain more sustainable lifestyles themselves.  The SFTF currently is making plans to introduce the plan to even more residents along with guidance on the many opportunities to take action, both individually and with other residents.

“Keeping Fairfield an environmentally healthy, sustainable community draws support from dedicated Town officials at all levels as well as the invaluable involvement of our residents,” said the First Selectwoman.  “I want to thank the good work of the Sustainable Task Force and encourage all of our residents to consult the Plan and help Fairfield advance our award-winning efforts to safeguard our Town’s environment, now and in the coming years.”

The Town plans to make a bid for yet another, significant honor this year, when it reapplies for certification under the state-wide “Sustainable CT” program, which recognizes Connecticut communities that voluntarily meet high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments.  In 2018, Fairfield was one of just five towns statewide to receive a Silver certification, the program’s highest designation, ranking the Town among Connecticut’s most thriving and resilient municipalities.

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The Sustainable Fairfield Task Force provides support for Town practices and projects that can help Fairfield manage its growth to safeguard the health of its environment, ensure the reliability and economical use of its natural resources, and preserve the quality of life of its residents – today and for the future.  For more information, please visit www.fairfieldct.org/sftf