Governor Lamont Announces 2026 GreenerGov Award Recipients

(HARTFORD, CT | November 10, 2026) – Governor Ned Lamont and representatives from several Connecticut state agencies met at the State Capitol in Hartford today for the annual GreenerGov Awards ceremony, an annual celebration recognizing projects and initiatives within Connecticut state government that are reducing environmental impacts, lowering operating costs, and helping the state meet its climate goals.

The GreenerGov initiative, established by Executive Order No. 1 in 2019 and expanded by Executive Order No. 21-3 in 2021, challenges state agencies to lead by example by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, conserving water, diverting waste, expanding renewable energy, and deploying electric vehicles throughout state government operations.

“Since we launched GreenerGov in 2019, Connecticut state agencies have demonstrated that government can lead by example in reducing emissions, conserving resources, and lowering costs,” Governor Lamont said. “Reaching our greenhouse gas reduction target for state agencies ahead of schedule is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the dedication of our agency staff, senior sustainability officers, facility managers, and sustainability champions across state government. Together, we are building a greener, healthier, and more affordable Connecticut for future generations.”

The ceremony highlighted significant progress achieved by state agencies over the past several years. According to the latest GreenerGov data, state agency greenhouse gas emissions have fallen an additional 10% from fiscal year 2024 levels, bringing the total reduction to 36.3% below fiscal year 2019 levels. This achievement exceeds the state’s 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target for state agencies several years ahead of schedule.

The reductions have been driven by increased use of clean electricity, reduced consumption of fossil fuels, expanded renewable energy generation, and improvements to building operations and energy management practices across state government facilities.

The GreenerGov initiative is led by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), and the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM).

“As we review the latest GreenerGov data, it is clear that the outstanding efforts of our state agencies are producing meaningful results,” Emma Cimino, DEEP acting commissioner and GreenerGov co-chair, said. “State agency greenhouse gas emissions reductions have now exceeded our 2030 reduction target. These achievements reflect years of collaboration, innovation, and commitment from agencies across Connecticut, and they demonstrate that environmental stewardship and operational excellence go hand in hand.”

State leaders also highlighted ongoing work to accelerate sustainability efforts. During the past year, the GreenerGov program partnered with the Connecticut Green Bank to identify new solar development opportunities at state facilities and worked with agencies statewide to improve the quality and completeness of sustainability data used to track progress toward GreenerGov goals.

“DAS is proud to support GreenerGov through initiatives that help agencies reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and plan for the future,” Michelle Gilman, DAS commissioner and GreenerGov co-chair, said. “The agencies recognized today are demonstrating how strategic investments and collaboration can create lasting environmental and fiscal benefits for Connecticut.”

“The success of GreenerGov is rooted in collaboration,” Joshua Wojcik, OPM secretary and GreenerGov co-chair, said. “By bringing agencies together around shared sustainability and cost-saving goals, Connecticut has been able to achieve significant emissions reductions while generating millions of dollars in utility savings. Programs such as GreenerGov show how coordinated planning, data-driven decision making, and strong partnerships can help state government deliver meaningful results for residents today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.”

The annual GreenerGov Awards recognize agencies and individuals whose efforts support the governor’s sustainability and cost-saving goals while serving as examples for other organizations throughout Connecticut. Award selections are based on utility bill data collected through EnergyCAP, information submitted by agency senior sustainability officers, and documented sustainability achievements.

As Connecticut celebrates reaching its state agency greenhouse gas reduction target years ahead of schedule, GreenerGov partners are now focused on achieving the initiative’s next milestone: reducing state agency greenhouse gas emissions 70% below 2016 levels by 2040. Continued investments in clean energy, building decarbonization, resiliency planning, and agency collaboration will help drive progress toward that goal.

The GreenerGov Awards demonstrate how Connecticut state agencies are successfully balancing environmental stewardship, operational efficiency, and fiscal responsibility while building a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future for all residents.

2026 GreenerGov Award Recipients

Sustainability Achievement Awards

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Winner: Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL)
CTDOL achieved a 21% reduction in emissions between fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026 through mechanical system improvements and building automation system optimization at its headquarters in Wethersfield.

Waste Reduction
Winner: University of Connecticut (UConn)
UConn launched a pilot program utilizing 23 Food Cycler tabletop composting appliances in student residences, helping divert food waste and promote sustainable behavior among students.

Electric Vehicles
Winner: Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
DMV installed 11 electric vehicle charging stations during fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026, expanding access to charging infrastructure at agency facilities.

Expanding Solar Capacity
Winner: Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC)
DOC installed ground-mounted solar projects at three facilities, adding more than two megawatts of solar capacity and generating an estimated $11 million in lifetime savings.

Water Consumption Reduction
Winner: Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)
CHFA was recognized for implementing landscaping improvements featuring native drought-resistant plants that reduce irrigation needs, improve water infiltration, support pollinators, and reduce stormwater runoff.

Environmental and Fiscal Steward Award

Winner: Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU)
CSCU earned this award for installing three fuel cell systems in New Britain, Manchester, and Waterbury. Implemented through power purchase agreements with no upfront capital costs, the projects are expected to generate approximately $2 million in annual utility savings.

Eco Champion Award

Winner: Shelly Mondo, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)
Shelly Mondo is being recognized for creating an employee engagement program that encourages sustainable workplace practices through a Green Team Member recognition initiative, helping foster a culture of sustainability within her organization.

Data Quality Recognition Awards

Special recognition was also given to agencies that maintained complete and highly accurate utility data in EnergyCAP, supporting the state’s ability to measure sustainability progress and identify opportunities for improvement. Award recipients included the Connecticut State Library, the Connecticut Department of Labor, the Connecticut Department of Social Services, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Connecticut Office of Legislative Management.

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