Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Hosting Events Through October 4 in Recognition of Sustainability and Resiliency Week

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut, through a collaboration between several state agencies, UConn, and other partners, will host a series of in-person, online, and hybrid events from September 28 to October 4, 2025, in recognition of its second annual Sustainability and Resiliency Week.

The initiative is designed to promote engagement, foster collaboration, and celebrate the progress and innovation being done in the state as the world faces increasingly complex environmental and social challenges. In recent years, Connecticut state government has been working to implement actions to make the state one of the most resilient in the country, such as taking steps to increase energy efficiency, reduce the state's carbon footprint, reduce waste, and reduce the costs of government operations. The Sustainability and Resiliency Week events recognize and celebrate the collaboration among partners while also engaging the general public in these efforts.

More than 20 events have been organized for the week, including ones related to climate resilience, nature-based solutions, water quality, transportation, energy initiatives, and more. Anyone interested in learning more about these initiatives is encouraged to participate. For the full event schedule and to enroll, visit portal.ct.gov/sustainability.

"From wooded hillsides to a diverse coastline, Connecticut's natural resources are key to its character," Governor Lamont said. "Our natural resources are integral to our economic prosperity, our health, and our way of life. We've long been a leader in protecting those resources and will continue to do so, especially with our important partners in and outside of state government. By bringing together residents, policy experts, elected leaders, educators, advocates, and others, we celebrate the work underway and generate momentum for the work to come."

"Governor Lamont has prioritized Connecticut's efforts to facilitate sustainability and resiliency across the state, bringing together policy leaders and advocates across multiple sectors, including transportation, public health, housing, and planning," Dr. Joanna Wozniak-Brown, climate and infrastructure policy development coordinator at the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, said. "This week will be an opportunity for us to connect and learn from each other and build the knowledge and connections and needed to address pressing challenges."

"At DAS, we are committed to ensuring that every aspect of our work is viewed through a sustainability lens, from improving energy efficiency in state buildings and expanding the use of solar power, to building the infrastructure needed to support the transition to an electrified fleet," Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. "These efforts not only reduce costs and emissions, but also strengthen Connecticut's ability to meet the challenges of the future. Sustainability and resiliency are at the core of how we operate, and we're proud to partner with our colleagues across state government and higher education to move this important work forward."

"As a state rich in water resources, Connecticut continues to be a leader in drinking water protection," Martin Heft, chair of the Connecticut Water Planning Council, said. "We know that extreme weather is impacting not only the quantity but the quality of Connecticut's waters, including our drinking water supplies. We are pleased to present this workshop during Connecticut Sustainability and Resiliency Week."

"Sustainability and resiliency go hand-in-hand, and are core aims that guide DEEP's efforts," Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "Using resources more efficiently and in ways that reduce waste are good for residents' wallets and their health, as well as our environment. Here in Connecticut, we've felt the impact of more extreme weather events supercharged by climate change, from intense flooding to dangerous wildfires, resulting in tragic losses of life, and causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Making sure our communities are as prepared and resilient as they can be is a top priority of ours in state government, requiring a whole-of-government approach. DEEP looks forward to spotlighting the many great sustainability and resiliency initiatives happening around the state during Sustainability and Resiliency Week."

"Connecticut is leading in efforts to help residents and communities prepare for the risks of a changing climate," Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner Andrew Mais said. "At the Insurance Department, we are focused on giving consumers the tools and protections they need to stay resilient today and in the future."

"Sustainability and resiliency are core to how CTDOT designs, builds, and operates its transportation systems," Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Deputy Commissioner Laoise King said. "We're proud to highlight our growing Pollinator Program and recent energy efficiency improvements at our facilities. We remain fully committed to projects and initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint and make a difference throughout the state."

"UConn is proud to support the Governor Lamont's Sustainability and Resiliency Week and will be coordinating a number of activities throughout the month in which students can engage with nature and learn more about ways to reduce their environmental footprint on and off campus," Patrick McKee, director of the UConn Office of Sustainability, said. "Engaging UConn's smart, and talented students, faculty, and staff members is critical toward advancing strategic sustainability goals across the state."

Participating Connecticut state agencies in Sustainability and Resiliency Week events include:

• Office of Governor Ned Lamont
• Office of Policy and Management
• Department of Administrative Services
• Department of Economic and Community Development
• Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
• Department of Insurance
• Department of Housing
• University of Connecticut
• Water Planning Council

Anyone interested in participating in any of the events are strongly encouraged to enroll as soon as possible.