Manchester Honored with Certification from Sustainable CT
Published on October 10, 2025
Manchester 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 fall’s list of certified communities.
Manchester met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious Gold-level certification.
“Earning Gold Certification is not just a milestone, it’s a reflection of Manchester’s values,” said Mayor Jay Moran. “From expanding clean transportation options to supporting diverse housing and vibrant arts, we’re building a future that works for everyone. We thank Sustainable CT for recognizing Manchester’s efforts and look forward to continuing this important work.”
Buckley Elementary School is the State of Connecticut’s first verified Net Zero Energy K-12 school and the first verified publicly funded net zero K-12 project in New England.
In its application for Sustainable CT certification, Manchester 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. Manchester successfully completed actions, including:
- Incorporating sustainability-related concepts and projects into the Town’s recent Plan of Conservation and Development update
- Providing consistent and clear community outreach related to concepts such as invasive species management and food waste reduction programs
- The implementation of “Complete Streets” pedestrian and cycling infrastructure projects
- Outreach and support services provided to the Town’s unhoused population
- Increasing the amount of affordable housing options
- Creating a food scrap diversion program for residents at the Transfer Station and several convenient satellite drop-off locations
Softball Fields at New State Road were built in response to regular flooding of the previous field site at Charter Oak Park. This new site ensures Manchester’s softball fields are state of the art, while the previous site is being repurposed for more suitable use.
To achieve Gold certification, Manchester 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.
“We are incredibly proud that Manchester has achieved Gold Certification from Sustainable CT,” said Town Manager Steve Stephanou. “This honor reflects our community’s deep commitment to sustainability and innovation. It’s a testament to the leadership of our elected officials and the hard work of our residents, town staff, and volunteers who continue to make Manchester a more resilient and inclusive place to live.”
Congratulations to Manchester,” 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 new 21st Century Library contains geothermal wells for heating and cooling, as well as solar panels for energy production. The library will be “Net-Zero” ready when it opens in 2026.
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 the 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. Manchester will be recognized at the Sustainable CT’s 2025 Awards Celebration on October 28 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam.