Did you know that Sustainable Westport is an independent non-profit organization? We do not receive funding from the Town of Westport or any other organization. We rely on YOU to power our mission!
Sustainable Westport was first established in 2006 when the town’s First Selectman, Gordon Joseloff, appointed a Green Task Force to address growing climate concerns. Over the years, this town committee evolved and a grassroots initiative developed, leading to the RTM adopting a resolution for Westport to use its best efforts to become a Net Zero community by 2050. The same goal is included in the Westport Plan for Conservation and Development.
In 2020, the committee rebranded as Sustainable Westport and eventually separated from the town, operating under the umbrella of Earthplace. But in 2023, we officially became an independent 501(c)3 non-profit, with the mission to inspire, support, and connect residents, organizations, and the Town of Westport in making both small changes and big commitments toward a healthier, more sustainable future.
PROGRESS
2006
- The “Green Energy Task Force” was appointed by the First Selectman with a charge to measure Westport’s carbon footprint.
2007
- Completed an ICLEI-based assessment of the Town’s carbon footprint.
2008
- Installed the first electric vehicle charger at a train station in Connecticut.
2011-2013
- Westport wins the Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge/Westport Home Energy Challenge. Over 15% of homes have been weatherized since initiating this project, reducing their annual energy expenditures by on average 8-10%. Westport was first among 14 towns participating in this DOE grant.
2012
- Participated in Solarize CT pilot program (Solarize Westport), a program that more than doubled the solar install base in town, at a price that was 30% less than average in the state.
2017
- First Connecticut town to include an emissions goal (Net-Zero by 2050) in its Plan of Conservation and Development. The Net Zero by 2050 resolution was passed by the Westport RTM.
2018
- Westport Green Building Award program is launched to celebrate and recognize outstanding achievements in sustainable building and design in cooperation with the Town of Westport.
- Town of Westport is awarded the Bronze Certification from SustainableCT. Westport is one of the first Connecticut municipalities to achieve this certification by demonstrating significant achievements in actions in nine sustainable impact areas ranging from thriving local economies and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing.
2019
- Westport Police Department acquires its first electric vehicle for its fleet, leading communities on the East Coast.
- Westport bans single-use plastics and styrofoam at food-service businesses, transitioning them to compostable and recyclable alternatives.
2020
- The “Green Task Force” evolves from a municipal task force and is rebranded as Sustainable Westport. Under the umbrella of Earthplace, Sustainable Westport serves as a comprehensive sustainability advisory body to support the Town’s goal of Net-Zero by 2050.
- Raised $7500 for Zero Food Waste Challenge and received a matching grant from SustainableCT for further community education and engagement around food waste diversion.
2021
- Town of Westport is awarded Silver certification from SustainableCT. Westport is 1 of 12 towns to receive this distinction, currently the highest level of certification achievable.
2023
- Sustainable Westport becomes its own independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and creates a Board of Directors.
DID YOU KNOW
Green Task Force/Sustainable Westport have supported the following solar installations:
- Post Road Fire Station – 2007
- Staples High School – demonstration project (2009)
- Saugatuck Train Station – 2012
- Longshore Golf Course – 2013
- Department of Public Works – 2014
- Coleytown Fire House – 2016
- Coleytown Elementary School – 2019
- Staples High School – 2019
- Westport Library – 2019