The City of Bristol is among several Connecticut municipalities to be recognized this year for achieving Sustainable CT certification. Bristol’s Sustainable CT Silver Certification is effective through December 31, 2026.
Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, announced this year’s list of certified communities.
Bristol met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious Silver-level certification.
“I commend City staff, elected officials, and Bristol residents for all their efforts to help maintain the City’s Silver-Level Certification in the Sustainable CT Program. The initiatives taking place here in Bristol are important to make Bristol an inclusive and resilient community as we continue to provide our citizens with tools to improve opportunities for all,” stated City of Bristol Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano.
“It’s an honor to be recognized once again for achieving Sustainable CT certification. The collaboration among several City departments was integral in helping Bristol maintain its Silver-level certification,” stated David Oakes, City of Bristol Facilities & Energy Manager.
In its application for Sustainable CT certification, the City of Bristol demonstrated significant achievements in twelve sustainable impact areas ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing.
The City of Bristol successfully completed actions including, but not limited to the following:
- Advancing equity in Bristol through programs such as the establishment of a Diversity Council; the MLK Mural in downtown through the MLK39 Project in partnership with RiseUp Arts; Sustainable CT Equity Toolkits for the community which included a Community Resilience Building Workshop with the Nature Conservancy, Beautify Bristol Litter Campaign, youth led sustainability efforts, Kern Park redevelopment, and the opening of Pigeon Hill Preserve open space to the public
- Brownfield remediation to make land/properties available again for redevelopment
- Adopting and distributing a sustainable purchasing policy
- Having dedicated significant staffing and resources to provide economic development support, marketing support, funding for grants, and alliances with other business support organizations
- Educating students in elementary school about water conservation through the “A Day Without Water” annual campaign
- Conducting free Rain Garden and Home Composting workshops to educate the community on how to conserve water by collecting rainwater to water their gardens and to provide tools to residents to compost at home
- Utilizing invasive species management in Bristol’s parks and conducting free workshops for the community about invasive species and how to control them
- Developing community food gardens at the community center, senior center, schools, and Parks & Rec office and promotion of gardening and food waste education in the community
- Reaching an affordable housing percentage of 14.56% in 2022, an increase of 1.21% from 2018
“Congratulations to our certified communities,” said Lynn Stoddard, executive director of Sustainable CT. We are inspired by the leadership and commitment of these communities. From elected officials and city/town staff to resident volunteers, these certified towns are improving opportunities and the quality of life for all.”
The program includes actions that help towns and cities build community connection, social equity, and long-term resilience. It includes an action roadmap and support tools that are especially relevant as towns seek practices and resources to promote racial justice and respond to the on-going challenges of climate change and economic uncertainty.
Sustainable CT is independently funded, with strong multi-year support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, Connecticut Green Bank, Common Sense Fund, and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
Bristol, along with all of this year’s certified communities, will be recognized at Sustainable CT’s Awards Celebration on October 17th at the site of the American Mural Project in Winsted, CT. For more information about this event and to register to attend, visit sustainablect.org/celebration.
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