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Five Connecticut communities have been given a silver certification from Sustainable CT for their efforts to promote environmentally responsible practices.

Fairfield, Glastonbury, Greenwich, Hartford and Stamford were the highest-ranking communities statewide.

In its application for the Sustainable CT Certification, Hartford cited its achievements in nine areas, including clean transportation, resilient planning, diverse housing and vibrant and creative cultural ecosystems.

Among other initiatives, the city’s has implemented Complete Streets, encouraged healthy food networks, promoted environmentally-friendly development through its zoning code and prioritized equitable outcomes though extensive community outreach.

“We’re working on many fronts to build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable city, and this recognition from Sustainable CT is an important affirmation of the work we’ve done thus far,” Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said in a statement. “The certification recognizes the hard work of our Climate Stewardship Council, our Office of Sustainability, city departments like Public Works and Development Services, city boards and commissions, non-profits and grassroots advocates.  As the federal government abandons its environmental responsibilities, we’re determined to do everything we can to be a leader in local sustainability and environmental stewardship.”

In 2016, a community-led Climate Stewardship Initiative drafted a Climate Action Plan, which was adopted by the City Council earlier this year. In 2017, the Mayor’s Office launched a grant-funded Sustainability Office, which works with community stakeholders to integrate sustainability into all city decision-making. Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that supports and recognizes sustainability action by Connecticut communities, was launched last year.