Guilford Honored With Sustainable CT Certification

GUILFORD, CT — The Town of Guilford has earned Sustainable CT certification for the third time, recognizing its ongoing efforts to promote environmental stewardship, equity and community resilience.

The statewide initiative announced that Guilford achieved Bronze-level certification by meeting high standards across a broad range of sustainability goals, from inclusive community building to clean transportation and affordable housing.

"This certification from Sustainable CT is a testament to so many volunteers, residents, and town staff who work tirelessly to make Guilford a town we can all be proud to call home," said First Selectman Matt Hoey in a news release. "We are committed to keeping Guilford a vibrant, sustainable community now and for the next generations."

In its certification application, Guilford documented achievements in 13 impact areas, including waste reduction, energy efficiency and community engagement. The town implemented a "pay-as-you-throw" waste program, began food scrap composting, recycled non-mandated electronics and launched the Repair Café, where volunteers fix broken household items free of charge.

The Parks and Recreation Department also installed new playgrounds at Jacob’s Beach and Bittner Park, emphasizing community involvement and accessibility. The town was additionally recognized for its Affordable Housing and Safe Streets plans.

"As volunteers with the Sustainable Guilford Task Force, it is our job to understand best sustainable practices for municipalities as outlined by Sustainable CT and review our Town's work towards those actions," said Sustainable Guilford Chair Terri Cain in a news release. "It is exciting to see how our Town has achieved sustainable goals and realize the good work of our staff, boards, and commissions that the general population may not be aware of."

Sustainable CT leaders praised the town’s commitment.

"We are inspired by the leadership and commitment of these communities," said Jessica LeClair, executive director of Sustainable CT. "From elected officials and town staff to resident volunteers, these certified towns are improving opportunities and the quality of life for all."

Nicole Chevalier, co-chair of the organization’s board of directors, said the certified municipalities have made progress on key statewide priorities. "The work these towns do is critical to achieving the state’s ambitious environmental and climate objectives and we are incredibly proud of them," she said.

Sustainable CT offers an action roadmap to help cities and towns strengthen community connections, promote social equity and address climate change. The program receives funding from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, Common Sense Fund, Connecticut Green Bank and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

Guilford will be recognized during the 2025 Sustainable CT Awards Celebration on Oct. 28 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam.