The Town of Mansfield has been recognized for achieving Sustainable CT Gold certification.
Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, announced this spring’s list of certified communities.
Mansfield met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious Gold-level certification.
“Recognition by Sustainable CT is a significant milestone in Mansfield’s longstanding commitment to sustainability,” says Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community members who have consistently championed sustainable practices and bold ideas. We hope residents will not only be proud of this recognition, but, more importantly, proud of the meaningful impact these efforts will continue to have for generations who call Mansfield home into the future.”
In its application for Sustainable CT certification, Mansfield demonstrated significant achievements in thirteen sustainable impact areas ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing. Mansfield has recently completed its Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and is updating its Plan of Conservation and Development, both of which involving extensive community input. Sustainable CT noted Mansfield’s POCD as, “thorough and thoughtful in describing the town's plans for open space, and fulfills the requirement to prioritize acquisitions, enhance your local ecosystem, connect open space parcels, offer recreational benefits, and ensure long-term viability of your open space (including management policies". The Town has actively updated regulations to expand open space protections, is tackling invasive species, and is undertaking a forestry plan. Mansfield also recycles food scraps at all three of its public schools, and initiated a program to collect unserved foods at the schools for delivery to the local soup kitchen
To achieve Gold certification, Mansfield was also required to achieve Climate Leader designation, completing a specifically identified suite of actions intended to control and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change. Mansfield achieved this status earlier this year. Mansfield Elementary School, completed in 2023, is the state’s first new net-zero public school and has been visited by many other towns and the University of Connecticut to see the school’s energy-generating operation and 21st century learning design. The community is also aggressive with solar installation, accessible EV charging stations, and with keeping close track of energy efficiency of its Town buildings and has incorporated a Complete Streets policy.
“I want to thank our Mansfield team for the investment in helping us apply for this certification,” says Lynn Stoddard, Chair of the Town of Mansfield’s 10-member Sustainability Committee. “From the very first input meeting two years ago, through all the interviews and drafts, we appreciate the leadership and the tremendous time, expertise, and dedication our town staff and volunteers put into helping Mansfield achieve Sustainable CT Gold certification,” she adds.
“Congratulations to the Town of Mansfield,” said Jessica LeClair, executive director of Sustainable CT. “We are inspired by the leadership and commitment of our Gold certified communities. From elected officials and town staff to resident volunteers, these towns are improving opportunities and the quality of life for all.”
“Once again, our municipalities have successfully initiated and implemented projects that address climate resilience, energy efficiency, equity, land conservation, waste reduction, and economic development, among other important priorities,” said Nicole Chevalier, co-chair of Sustainable CT’s Board of Directors. “The work these towns do is critical to achieving the state’s ambitious environmental and climate objectives and we are incredibly proud of them.”
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.
Michael Purcaro, co-chair of Sustainable CT Board of Directors, sees profound changes taking place across the state. “By recognizing the natural environment as the foundation for the health and well-being of all people, our sustainable initiatives are driving real change in towns and cities across Connecticut,” said Purcaro. “We’re seeing improved efficiency in the delivery of government services, significant cost savings and a stronger sense of community. We congratulate our award recipients and commend them for their collective work to create a more vibrant state that provides opportunities for all to thrive.”
Sustainable CT has strong multi-year support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, Common Sense Fund, Connecticut Green Bank, and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.
Mansfield will be recognized at the Sustainable CT’s 2025 Awards Celebration on October 28 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam.