Contact:
Bob Wall/Sustainable Fairfield Task Force
(203) 581-0006
Town of Fairfield Renews Its Certification
As One of State’s Top “Sustainable CT” Communities
Fairfield, CT, November 5, 2021 – Renewing a certification that it first earned in 2018, the Town of Fairfield has again been named a top “Sustainable CT” community under a statewide program that recognizes Connecticut’s most thriving and resilient municipalities.
The Sustainable CT initiative, which awards certifications to Connecticut communities that voluntarily meet high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments, announced its latest group of certified towns on Nov. 1.
Fairfield is one of just 12 towns statewide to receive a Silver certification, the program’s highest designation; the other Silver-certified towns are Glastonbury, Greenwich, Hartford, Litchfield, Milford, New Milford, Old Lyme, Portland, Trumbull, West Hartford, and Westport. Eleven other towns received the next highest designation, Bronze.
Fairfield also earned Silver-level honors in the program’s initial certification process, which was conducted in fall 2018.
First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said, “We are thrilled that we have once again earned recognition as one of Connecticut’s most desirable places in which to live, work and raise a family. Building the quality and wellbeing of our community and natural environment could not be higher priorities. I want to thank all of the dedicated citizens, volunteers, Town employees and officials who work so hard together every day to serve Fairfield’s common good.”
Successful Certification a Town-Wide Effort
Fairfield’s application for Sustainable CT certification was compiled by the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force (SFTF) with extensive cooperation and input from numerous Town officials, departments and volunteer bodies. It describes significant, voluntary, Town-wide actions in 13 sustainable impact areas representing “best practices” identified by Sustainable CT, from the health of the local economy and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and equity and social justice. The complete application can be viewed here.
“The range of the achievements that earned Fairfield this recognition clearly shows that preserving our Town’s sustainability is everyone’s responsibility – and we all can play a meaningful, impactful role in advancing the effort,” said Bob Wall, SFTF chairman. “At the same time, we all share in the benefits, which include a pleasing and healthful natural environment; a robust local economy; lower energy costs; rich opportunities to work, learn and play; equity toward all of our residents, and many others – all combining to help make Fairfield a truly outstanding community.”
Fairfield a Model for Forward-Looking Local Governments
“Sustainable CT Certified communities are models for all forward-looking local governments,” said Joe DeLong, executive director and CEO of Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM). “These municipalities have shown great leadership in completing many actions that increase sustainability while also saving money, promoting health, and deepening residents’ connection to community.”
Among the many accomplishments cited in Fairfield’s winning application:
- Ensuring proper stewardship of the Town’s land and natural resources
- Enhancing awareness of Fairfield’s history; cultural, arts and recreation resources, and vibrant business centers
- Implementing “complete streets” policies to ensure and maintain Town roadways that offer safe and comfortable access for all users
- Promoting “smart commuting,” public transportation and greater use of electric vehicles, by both the Town and residents
- Benchmarking and reducing energy use across municipal buildings
- Supporting recycling and composting by both the Town and residents
- Improving air quality in public spaces
- Supporting and promoting local retail options
- Developing and promoting community growing spaces
- Building social equity Town-wide
- Encouraging healthy, efficient, diverse and affordable housing
- Establishing the Fairfield Equity Coalition and the Town’s Racial Equity and Justice Task Force
- Maintaining a robust communications infrastructure to keep Town residents informed and engaged regarding Town news and developments
- Collaborating with other Connecticut municipalities on sustainability actions
Many of Fairfield’s ongoing and planned sustainability projects also are reflected in the Town’s master Sustainability Plan, which details specific initiatives for safeguarding Fairfield’s natural and built environments, natural resources, and quality of life. The plan can be reviewed here: https://www.fairfieldct.org/sustainabilityplan
About the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force: The SFTF 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 https://www.fairfieldct.org/sftf