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Connecticut municipalities are taking action at the local level
to address climate change. Why not join them! These towns are realizing
cost savings while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Contact us if you want help or send us your success stories.
- HOST A CLIMATE ACTION EVENT
There are many resources available to help you plan an event to promote climate change action at the local level. View Host An Event page.
- BENCHMARK AND INCREASE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF YOUR BUILDINGS
Thirteen Connecticut towns are performing Energy Star benchmarking to rank and track the energy use of their schools compared with similar buildings nationwide.The Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University has helped, resulting in benchmarking at 120 schools and additional funding for school benchmarking.
The CT Energy Efficiency Fund web site provides information on incentives for electrical and HVAC upgrades; rebates on lighting, motor, and HVAC equipment upgrades; and much more.
- TAKE THE COMMUNITY ENERGY CHALLENGE
Join the EPA's Community Energy Challenge to New England towns to implement simple cost-effective measures that increase
energy efficiency and clean energy use while reducing air pollution and saving money.
- SUPPORT CLEAN ENERGY
Over one-half of all Connecticut municipalities have shown great leadership by committing to purchase 20% clean energy by 2010 through the Clean Energy Communties Program. In addition, the State of Connecticut is currently purchasing approximately 17% clean energy for state agency electric use and many Connecticut residents have signed on to purchase either 50% or 100% clean energy for their homes.
Fairfield Committed to 20% Clean Energy by 2010
- INSTALL CLEAN ENERGY ON SITE
The Connecticut Clean Energy Communities Program provides free solar photovoltaic systems to Connecticut's towns that commit to purchase 20% clean energy by 2010 and 100 local residents and businesses sign up to purchase clean energy. View the clean energy status of all CT towns and find out how to become a Clean Energy Community.
Clean Energy Communities Program Receives 2006 Green Power Pilot Award
Fuel Cells Power Hospital, School
CT Clean Energy Communities - Coming to a Town Near You!
- CLEAN UP YOUR FLEET
Since transportation emissions are responsible for about 40% of the greenhouse gas emissions in Connecticut, cleaner vehicles can make a big impact. Some towns including Windsor and Mansfield have purchased hybrid-electric vehicles, which significantly reduce emissions and fuel use. These vehicles can be purchased through state contract. In addition, Norwich and New Haven have reduced diesel emissions through the Clean School Bus program. Read Success Stories on how CT towns are cleaning up their fleets:
A Different Kind of Gas Station
Cleaner Cars are on a Roll
- INCREASE RECYCLING AND SOURCE REDUCTION
The outstanding recycling programs in the following towns have been recognized in the past on DEP’s Municipal Recycling Honor Roll: Cornwall, Granby, Litchfield, Manchester, Mansfield, Middletown, New Britain, Norwalk, Portland, Redding, Salisbury, Sharon, Somers, Stonington,and Windsor Locks.
- DEVELOP A LOCAL CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN
Eighteen municipalities - Bridgeport, Fairfield, Hamden, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Plainville, Stamford, Weston, Windham, Windsor, and the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency serving Bristol, New Britain, Berlin, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, and Southington - have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and joined Cities for Climate Protection, a program run by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.
- BUY LOCALLY GROWN FOOD
Buy food that is grown locally to support Connecticut's farmers and reduce food packaging and transportation emissions. You can find locally grown CT products near your town by visiting www.BuyCTGrown.com. The Farms-to-Schools Program, run by the CT Department of Agriculture, promotes direct purchase of Connecticut grown food products by school systems. Currently there are many CTschool districts are buying food from our local farmers.
Connecticut Farms-to-Schools Programs Help Kids Love Their Veggies
What's Cooking in CT Schools?
- REDUCE SYNTHETIC FERTILIZER USE
A portion of nitrogen applied to the soil is subsequently emitted as N2O, a greenhouse gas. Milford, Cheshire, and Plainville have programs in place to reduce non-farm fertilizer use and Granby and Cheshire are implementing organic land care programs on town recreation fields. The DEP has produced an "Organic Landcare" DVD that describes the methods, benefits, challenges, and experiences of CT towns in using organic landcare methods on their turf.
Read CT success stories:
Interest in Organic Land Care is Growing
Plainville Wants to be Pesticide Free.
- PROMOTE "GREEN" BUILDINGS AND SMART GROWTH
Some Connecticut towns have built “greener” buildings and passed resolutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. Mansfield has adopted a resolution on LEED building standards (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Windsor has an energy conservation site plan checklist for developers. For more information on green buildings, see the Connecticut Green Building Council web site.
Read CT success stories:
Suffield Strives to Preserve Half of Town Land
Commuities Can "Do the Math" to Reduce School Energy Costs
Green Schools Get Good Grades - McKinley School in Fairfield
Growth Happens - How Can We Make It Livable? - innovative plans in Suffield and the Parkville section of Hartford
Energy Star Homes and Energy Efficient Mortgages: Eaton Row Homes are a National Model
- BUY CLIMATE FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
The Department of Administrative Services has contracts for many energy efficient and environmentally friendly products including: LED (light emitting diode) traffic lights, hybrid-electric vehicles, computers and appliances, and office furniture. Connecticut towns can piggy-back on state contracts to purchase these products.
- REDUCE ENERGY COSTS
See Energy Resource Guide Actions for Municipalities fact sheet for many ideas and resources. Many towns have taken
advantage of energy efficiency improvements and cost savings through
utility conservation programs with Connecticut
Light & Power and United
Illuminating.
- GREEN YOUR EVENTS
Click here for a list of green training/event tips for state agencies. Connecticut towns can piggy-back on state contracts to take advantage of these services.
- SHARE YOUR SUCCESSES, BE RECOGNIZED
Tell us what your town is doing to address climate change, submit a nomination for a Climate Change Leadership Award.
Energy Star Homes and Energy Efficient Mortgages: Eaton Row Homes are a National Model
"New Haven Green" Takes on a Whole New Meaning
Stamford Takes Action
Town of Windsor Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
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