In 2006, Gordon Joseloff, the First Selectman of Westport, appointed the Green Task Force to address the growing problem of climate change caused by excessive carbon emissions. Over subsequent years, the Green Task Force, composed of a group of committed resident volunteers identified, proposed, supported, and enacted significant policies and actions to help reduce Westport’s carbon footprint. In 2017, the RTM, on the recommendation of the Green Task Force, adopted a resolution for Westport to use its best efforts to become a Net Zero community by 2050, where the community has reduced its impacts across energy, water, and waste, so that they are sustainably managed, using approaches that are economically viable, of social benefit and environmentally responsible. The same goal is included in the Westport Plan for Conservation and Development.

In an effort to expand its reach, the Green Task Force separated from the town and rebranded as Sustainable Westport in early 2020. While remaining financially and operationally independent, Sustainable Westport moved under the umbrella of Earthplace, a non-profit organization committed to building passion and respect for the natural world. In 2023, Sustainable Westport officially separated from Earthplace and became an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization, with its own Board of Directors and staff.

The mission of Sustainable Westport is to inspire, support and connect residents, organizations, and the Town of Westport in furtherance of the town’s resolution to use best efforts to become a Net Zero community by the year 2050.

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.