Sustainable CT Actions
Sustainable CT actions are designed with flexibility to meet the varying needs of all municipalities. Each action description below includes benefit icons, action steps, certification points, and resources. Complete one action in categories 1-12 to be eligible for Bronze, Silver, or Gold certification (all certification level require the completion of Action 1.1, Optimize for Equity, and Gold requires the completion of all actions in Category 1, Inclusive and Equitable Community Impacts). Many actions have variable points, which means there are several ways to complete the action. Achieve any one of the designated point levels within an action to consider it complete.
In addition to certification, municipalities in Sustainable CT can apply for the Climate Leader Designation. The Climate Leader Designation celebrates municipalities that are reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and preparing their communities for the impacts of climate change, while saving money, improving public health, and building community. Any town currently certified, or that successfully applies for (re)certification in tandem with the Climate Leader Designation, is eligible to apply. Sustainable CT has identified a suite of actions that will help your community control emissions. Achieve at least 150 points from the pre-identified suite of actions and your town will be designated a Climate Leader. You can filter for qualifying Climate Leader actions below.
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1. Inclusive and Equitable Community Impacts
- Action “Optimize for Equity” is a required action in this category.
1.1 Optimize for Equity — REQUIRED for All Certification Levels
- This action has variable points: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
1.2 Participate in Equity Training — REQUIRED for Gold Certification
- This action has variable points: 5, 10, 15
1.3 Develop and Adopt a Statement on Equity — REQUIRED for Gold Certification
No actions in this category match the search criteria.
2. Thriving Local Economies
2.1 Support Redevelopment of Brownfield Sites
- This action has variable points: 10 — 85
2.2 Implement Sustainable Purchasing
- This action has variable points: 5 — 45
2.3 Inventory and Promote Local Products and Services
- This action has variable points: 10 — 35
2.4 Provide Resources and Supports to Local Businesses
- This action has variable points: 5 — 60
2.5 Promote Sustainable Workforce Development
- This action has variable points: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25
No actions in this category match the search criteria.
3. Well-Stewarded Land and Natural Resources
3.1 Provide Watershed Education
- This action has variable points: 5 — 30
3.2 Create a Watershed Management Plan
- This action has variable points: 10, 20, 30
3.3 Engage in Watershed Protection and Restoration
- This action has variable points: 15 — 55
3.4 Develop an Open Space Plan
- This action has variable points: 5 — 50
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
3.5 Create a Natural Resource and Wildlife Inventory
- This action has variable points: 10, 20
3.6 Manage for Drought and Municipal Water Use
- This action has variable points: 10, 20, 30, 40
3.7 Provide Education on Responsible Water Usage
- This action has variable points: 10, 20, 30
3.8 Implement Low Impact Development
- This action has variable points: 5 — 125
3.9 Manage Woodlands and Urban Forests
- This action has variable points: 5 — 50
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
3.10 Facilitate Invasive Species Education and Management
- This action has variable points: 5 — 45
3.11 Implement Green Grounds and Maintenance Program
- This action has variable points: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25
3.12 Enhance Pollinator Pathways
- This action has variable points: 5 — 40
3.13 Promote Dark Skies
- This action has variable points: 5 — 40
3.14 Implement Sustainable Snow Management
- This action has variable points: 5 — 60
No actions in this category match the search criteria.
4. Vibrant and Creative Cultural Ecosystems
4.1 Inventory Tourism and Cultural Assets
- This action has variable points: 5, 10, 15, 20
4.2 Support Arts and Creative Culture
- This action has variable points: 5 — 30
4.3 Develop a Creative Placemaking Plan
- This action has variable points: 5, 10, 15
4.4 Provide an Arts and Culture Program for Youth
- This action has variable points: 20, 25
No actions in this category match the search criteria.
5. Dynamic and Resilient Planning
5.1 Integrate Sustainability into Plan of Conservation and Development
- This action has variable points: 5 — 60
5.2 Adapt Permitting Process to Promote Sustainable Development
- This action has variable points: 5 — 45
5.3 Develop Agriculture-Friendly Practices
- This action has variable points: 5 — 65
5.4 Assess Climate Vulnerability
- This action has variable points: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
5.5 Inventory and Assess Historic Resources
- This action has variable points: 5 — 50
5.6 Streamline Solar Permitting for Small Solar Installations
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
5.7 Plan for Long-Term Recovery
- This action has variable points: 15, 30
5.8 Promote Cool Roofs
- This action has variable points: 5 — 70
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
5.9 Participate in the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System
No actions in this category match the search criteria.
6. Clean and Diverse Transportation Systems and Choices
6.1 Implement Complete Streets
- This action has variable points: 5 — 80
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
6.2 Promote Effective Parking Management
- This action has variable points: 10 — 45
6.3 Encourage Smart Commuting
- This action has variable points: 10, 15
6.4 Support Zero Emission Vehicle Deployment
- This action has variable points: 5 — 75
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
6.5 Promote Public Transit and Other Mobility Strategies
- This action has variable points: 5 — 55
6.6 Manage Municipal Fleets
- This action has variable points: 15, 20, 35
No actions in this category match the search criteria.
7. Renewable and Efficient Energy Infrastructure and Operations
7.1 Benchmark and Track Energy Use
- This action has variable points: 5, 10
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
7.2 Reduce Energy Use Across All Municipal Buildings
- This action has variable points: 10 — 200
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
7.3 Achieve High Energy Performance for Individual Buildings
- This action has variable points: 5 — 140
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
7.4 Increase Use of Renewable Energy in Municipal Buildings
- This action has variable points: 10 — 145
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
7.5 Develop a Municipal Energy Plan
- This action has variable points: 10, 20
7.6 Install Efficient Exterior Lighting
- This action has variable points: 10, 15, 25
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
7.7 Implement a Community Energy Campaign
- This action has variable points: 10, 20, 30
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
7.8 Complete Energy Audits of Municipal Buildings
- This action has variable points: 10, 20, 30, 40
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
7.9 Participate in and Promote the C-PACE Program
- This action has variable points: 5 — 40
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
7.10 Support Battery Storage Solutions
- This action has variable points: 10, 20, 30
No actions in this category match the search criteria.
8. Inclusive Engagement, Communication and Education
8.1 Hold a Sustainability Event
- This action has variable points: 5, 10, 15, 20
8.2 Provide Effective Community Communications
8.3 Train Municipal Representatives
- This action has variable points: 5, 10, 15
8.4 Support Community Match Fund (CMF) Project and Civic Engagement
- This action has variable points: 5 — 30
8.5 Engage in a Sustainable CT Mentorship with Other Municipalities
- This action has variable points: 5, 10, 15
8.6 Collaborate with Other Municipalities on Sustainability Actions — REQUIRED for Gold Certification
- This action has variable points: 15, 30, 45
8.7 Engage with Youth on Community Sustainability
- This action has variable points: 5, 10, 15
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
No actions in this category match the search criteria.
9. Strategic Materials Management
9.1 Report Materials Management Data and Reduce Waste
- This action has variable points: 5 — 105
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
9.2 Implement Unit-Based Pricing
- This action has variable points: 5 — 35
9.3 Recycle Additional Materials
- This action has variable points: 10, 20, 30, 40
9.4 Compost Organic Waste
- This action has variable points: 15, 30
9.5 Promote Waste Reduction and Reuse
- This action has variable points: 5 — 70
No actions in this category match the search criteria.
10. Optimal Health and Wellness Opportunities
10.1 Encourage an Equitable and Just Food System
- This action has variable points: 5 — 30
10.2 Conduct Health Impact Assessments
- This action has variable points: 5, 10, 15
10.3 Improve Air Quality in Public Spaces
- This action has variable points: 5 — 65
10.4 Develop and Promote Community Growing Spaces
10.5 Support Equitable Food Access and Local Farmers
- This action has variable points: 15, 30, 45, 60, 75
10.6 Plan and Prepare for Extreme Heat
- This action has variable points: 5 — 70
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
10.7 Improve Outdoor Access for All
- This action has variable points: 10 — 40
No actions in this category match the search criteria.
11. Healthy, Efficient and Diverse Housing
11.1 Implement an Affordable Housing Plan
- This action has variable points: 5 — 70
11.2 Grow Sustainable and Affordable Housing Options
- This action has variable points: 5 — 55
11.3 Implement Policy for Sustainable, Diverse Housing Options
- This action has variable points: 5 — 60
No actions in this category match the search criteria.
12. Effective, Compassionate Homelessness Prevention
12.1 Strengthen Municipal Workforce Capacity to Address Homelessness
- This action has variable points: 5, 10, 15, 20
12.2 Increase Public Awareness and Support for Efforts to End Homelessness
- This action has variable points: 5 — 30
12.3 Collect and Share Homelessness Data
12.4 Provide or Mobilize Resources to Address Homelessness
- This action has variable points: 10, 15, 25
No actions in this category match the search criteria.
13. Innovative Strategies and Practices
- You do not need to complete the action in this category for any level of certification.
13.1 Implement Your Own Sustainability Action
- This action has variable points: 5 — 40
- This action counts towards a Climate Leader Designation
No actions in this category match the search criteria.