Town of Woodbridge Achieves Sustainable CT Silver Certification

The Town of Woodbridge has been recognized with a Silver Certification through Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that supports communities in becoming more resilient, efficient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for Woodbridge. After first earning Bronze in 2018, the Town recertified Bronze last fall and advanced to Silver Certification less than a year later. The recognition reflects not only the breadth of sustainability work happening across the community, but also the momentum Woodbridge has built through the collaborative efforts of residents, volunteers, Town staff, boards and commissions, and community partners.

“Achieving Silver Certification is a proud milestone for Woodbridge,” said First Selectman Mica Cardozo. “This accomplishment reflects the dedication of Hillary Drumm and the Sustainability Committee, the coordination and commitment of Alison Valsamis, the participation of Town departments, Boards, and Commissions, and the support of our regional partners. Most importantly, it reflects a community that continues to come together to build a stronger, more sustainable future.”

In its application for Sustainable CT certification, Woodbridge demonstrated significant achievements across thirteen sustainability impact areas, including waste reduction, community engagement, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, energy conservation, public health, and resilience planning. Highlights included the Town's HeatSmart energy initiative, food waste reduction efforts at Beecher Road School, Earth Day programming, trail and tree stewardship initiatives, the Poet Laureate program, and innovative community engagement efforts such as 06525 Day.

A standout example of Woodbridge's sustainability efforts is the Town's monthly Freecycle Program, coordinated by Donna Faryna at the Woodbridge Town Library, with support from the Sustainability Committee. The program has become a popular monthly community resource, helping residents give household items a second life, reducing waste, modeling how local partnerships can turn sustainability goals into meaningful community action.

“Achieving Silver Certification reflects years of work by people across our community who care deeply about Woodbridge and its future,” said Hillary Drumm, Co-Chair of the Woodbridge Sustainability Committee. “From large-scale initiatives to simple actions like reusing household items through Freecycle, sustainability happens when residents, volunteers, staff, and community partners work together toward shared goals.”

Woodbridge's Silver Certification reflects achievements ranging from waste reduction and community engagement to environmental stewardship, cultural initiatives, energy conservation, and long-term resilience planning. The designation also strengthens the Town's competitiveness for grants and technical assistance opportunities while providing a framework for continued innovation and collaboration.

For municipalities, Silver Certification is more than an environmental designation. It reflects an advanced commitment to sustainability, resilience, and community engagement while helping position communities for future grant opportunities, operational efficiencies, and long-term planning initiatives.

The Town extends its appreciation to the Sustainability Committee, Town departments, community organizations, volunteers, and residents for their contributions that helped make this achievement possible.

“Congratulations to our certified communities,” said Jessica LeClair, Executive Director of Sustainable CT. “We are inspired by the leadership and commitment of these communities. From elected officials and town staff to resident volunteers, these certified 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 ongoing challenges of climate change and economic uncertainty.

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.

Woodbridge will be recognized at the Sustainable CT’s 2025 Awards Celebration on October 28 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam.