Trainings & Events

Join the Environmental Law Institute and the International WELL Building Institute for a discussion on how health and indoor air quality (IAQ) can be elevated within the national conversation around affordable housing. Expert panelists will explore opportunities to integrate IAQ into housing policy and financing decisions, including through the use of third-party certification programs. The conversation will focus on a central question: how can housing policies help ensure that the affordable and "missing middle" homes built today are healthy and resilient for decades to come?

Across the country, a widespread shortage of affordable housing has placed housing production and preservation at the center of discussions as policymakers, developers, advocates, and communities search for ways to expand the housing supply for low- and moderate-income households. At the federal level, the recently enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act seeks to increase the housing supply by modernizing federal housing programs, streamlining regulatory processes, and incentivizing investment in both new construction and the preservation of existing units. States are also pursuing policies that expand accessory dwelling units, convert offices into housing, and streamline development. As this momentum continues, healthy housing should remain a central consideration in the policies shaping affordable housing.

In residential buildings, decisions about siting, ventilation, radon mitigation, moisture control, building materials, and more can significantly influence IAQ and the health of residents. Third-party frameworks, such as the Enterprise Green Communities program, provide guidance for integrating healthy and sustainable building practices into affordable housing projects. This webinar will explore how these housing decisions can meet supply goals while creating healthier, more resilient homes.
 

Join Wildlife Biologists from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), along with State Representative Karen Reddington-Hughes, and State Senator Stephen Harding, for a Forum on Black Bear Safety and Awareness on August 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM, at Warren Woods, 251 Bricks School Road, Warren.

DEEP Biologists will discuss:

• Connecticut’s growing and expanding black bear population,


• Bear awareness and safety,


• How to prevent conflicts and interactions with bears, such as proper storage of garbage, removal of bird feeders, and use of electric fencing to deter bears from livestock and beehives,


• How to prevent bear entries into homes,


• How to respond to encounters with bears.

This public forum is open to all residents. It provides an opportunity to ask questions and get first-hand knowledge from State bear biologists about being “BearWise.”
 

The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Procurement Division supports sustainable purchasing through its Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program. The program helps state agencies, municipalities, political subdivisions, and nonprofits use the state’s buying power to choose products and services that are better for the environment. DAS’s Sustainability Manager Ryan Ensling will discuss the process of establishing a new policy around EPP, an updated website with several resources, and future planning.

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.
 

Join the Land Trust of West Haven for this inaugural Coastal Conversations series! The events take place on select Sundays at 10:00am from July through October and feature talks about coastal topics, wildlife, habitats, and ways to help.

• July 26, August 9, August 23, September 6, September 20, October 4

Location: Eco Park, Old Grove Park Building, 1 Palace Street, West Haven, CT
 

Join the Connecticut Department for Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) for Disaster Preparedness Training designed for rural and small community water and wastewater systems! This interactive session will cover how to prepare for natural and human-caused hazards and develop effective Emergency Response Plans (ERP). Learn practical steps to protect your utility, meet regulatory requirements, and build resilience through planning, and resource coordination. Participants will gain tools, templates, and strategies to respond confidently when disasters strike. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your system and community.

What topics will be covered at the workshop?

• What is a Disaster?
• Emergency Preparedness Basics
• Emergency Response Planning
• Steps After a Disaster

This is a Virtual workshop offered through the GoToTraining platform. There is no cost to attend.
 

This workshop will focus on CT Green Bank's programs to support municipalities and schools to improve resilience and energy use.
 

Join the Partnership for Strong Communities to learn about the far-reaching impacts of supportive housing!

The conditions people need to thrive begin with a safe, stable home. For individuals and families facing complex challenges, supportive housing combines affordable housing with individualized services that improve health, strengthen families, foster independence, and create lasting stability. Its impact extends far beyond housing policy, with benefits for healthcare systems, child welfare, education, behavioral health, veterans, the elderly, and communities across Connecticut.

Join the Partnership for Homes That Heal: The Impact of Supportive Housing, an iForum exploring how supportive housing improves outcomes for people and communities across Connecticut.

The event will include the release and presentation of the Partnership's new report, Homes That Heal: The State of Supportive Housing in Connecticut. Drawing on research, stakeholder interviews, and an examination of Connecticut's supportive housing landscape, the report explores how supportive housing has evolved, where challenges remain, and what policy opportunities exist to strengthen this critical resource.

The event will feature a presentation of the report's findings followed by two panel discussions with leaders from government, supportive housing providers, community organizations and more. Together, they'll explore Connecticut's history of supportive housing, the current policy landscape, and the ways supportive housing improves outcomes for children, families, and other populations.

As Connecticut faces rising homelessness and growing uncertainty around federal housing investments, this conversation will explore why supportive housing remains one of the state's most effective tools for improving lives, strengthening communities, and making better use of public resources.
 

AgeWellFest is a two-part learning, networking, and celebration opportunity for every Connecticut community.

AgeWellFest: Celebration (5:00 - 6:30 pm) is an evening of connection, discovery, and inspiration. We'll present the 2026 Wellspring Awards, honoring communities, organizations and individuals that are fostering age-inclusivity in Connecticut. We'll also celebrate the culmination of the 2026 Community Leaders Fellowship.

Prior to the celebration, AgeWellFest: Connection (1:30 - 4:30 pm) is a more intimate networking and knowledge-sharing opportunity for current members of the Fellowship program, program alumni, and municipal leaders and residents interested in future participation. This portion of AgeWellFest is sponsored by AARP Connecticut as our Livable Communities Sponsor.
 

Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC) is an advisory council to the Commissioner of DEEP on historical and current environmental injustices across the state. The Council holds public quarterly meetings to hear updates from CT DEEP about environmental justice programs, updates on council subcommittee work, and discuss challenges that environmental justice communities continue to face. We hope that you’ll join us in-person at DEEP for an afternoon of networking and learning.

Accessibility Needs: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any agency event.
 

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.
 

Join Sierra Club Connecticut to kick off Climate Week for a day filled with live music, local food, art, interactive activities, inspiring speakers, family-friendly fun, and opportunities to take action alongside neighbors, organizations, and community leaders.
 

Energy Storage Solutions is an incentive program overseen by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) administered by the CT Green Bank and utilities. Learn more about upfront and yearly performance incentives available for batteries paired with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and standalone batteries.
 

Connect & Catalyze: Environmental Justice Resource Exchange is a one-day statewide convening designed to connect community leaders, nonprofit organizations, advocates, funders, researchers, government partners, and technical assistance providers who are working to advance environmental justice across Connecticut.

Rather than focusing on individual organizations or isolated projects, this gathering centers on a simple idea: stronger relationships create stronger outcomes. Participants will explore new funding opportunities, build cross-sector partnerships, exchange practical strategies, and leave with the connections and resources needed to move community-driven solutions forward.

Throughout the day, attendees will engage in keynote conversations, rapid-fire panels, interactive workshops, networking activities, and a resource fair featuring organizations that provide funding, technical assistance, research support, communications expertise, and capacity-building services.

EVENT INCLUDES

• A keynote conversation on coalition building, community power, and building an abundant environmental justice ecosystem

• Lightning discussions on community-centered fundraising, nonprofit mutual aid, resource sharing, and bridging energy and environmental justice

• Interactive workshops focused on:

  • Alternative funding and financing strategies beyond grants

  • Organizational capacity building

  • Public-private partnerships

  • Research, data, storytelling, and compelling grant narratives

• A funding and technical assistance showcase featuring organizations supporting environmental justice work across Connecticut

• Facilitated networking designed to spark new partnerships and collaboration

• A resource and technical assistance fair connecting participants directly with funding programs and support organizations

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This event is designed for:

• Environmental justice organizations

• Community-based nonprofits

• Grassroots organizers

• Tribal and Indigenous leaders

• Municipal and state agency staff

• Researchers and academic partners

• Philanthropic organizations and funders

• Technical assistance providers

• Climate, energy, conservation, housing, transportation, food justice, and public health advocates

• Anyone interested in strengthening Connecticut's environmental justice ecosystem

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.
 

Invasive Plant Symposium, Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, UConn Student Union, Storrs, CT

The Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG) 2026 symposium will be a full day in-person program on October 28, with some sessions directed to all attendees and other sessions in concurrent breakouts. This year's theme is From Awareness to Action - Strengthening Our Response to Invasive Plants.

The morning session will include a keynote presentation by Tom Zetterstrom, Housatonic Valley Association: “Land Trust Decision Model for Invasive Control in Severe Impact Areas” and a Panel Discussion: “Myths of Invasive Plant Management.”

The afternoon breakout sessions are:

Group A (Concurrent):

1) Identification and Management of Invasive Vines: Dr. Bryan Connolly, ECSU; Pete Picone, CT DEEP

2) Rugged Native Plants for Restoration of Managed Areas: Frederick (Erik) C. Sechler, Jr., Native Plant Trust

3) Invasive Aquatics: Updates on Hydrilla and Water Chestnut: John Hall, Jonah Center for Earth and Art; Greg Bugbee, CAES

Group B (Concurrent):

4) Special Topics in Invasive Plant Management: Christian Allyn, Invasive Plant Solutions; Joshua Tracy, Regional Water Authority; Tim Mack, Hamden Land Conservation Trust

5) Building Layers for Biodiversity with Native Plants: Anna Fialkoff and Maggie Redfern, Connecticut College Arboretum

6) Herbicide Management of Invasives: Law and How to Apply it: Zach Donais, CT DEEP

CEU's for organizations and Pesticide Recertification Credits are available.

$90 General Registration (in person attendance). $80 Recording Only; Student Registration Available.

More info: cipwg.uconn.edu/2026-symposium
 

This workshop will focus on the Smart-E Loans program offering low-interest financing for residential home energy improvements through a network of contractors and lenders.
 

Please save November 18 on your calendar for the 5th Annual Long Island Sound SRC Workshop! All workshop sessions will be in person this year.

More information will be shared via email and the LIS Resilience Resource Hub soon!
 

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.
 

Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC) was established in Executive Order 21-3 to provide guidance to the Commissioner of CT's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) on issues related to the state's historic and current environmental injustice and inequities across the state.

The Council convenes quarterly to hear updates from subcommittees and discuss key projects. All Quarterly Meetings are open to the public. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].

Accessibility Needs: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any agency hearing, program or event.
 

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.