HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut state agencies have cut their greenhouse gas emissions to 36.3% below fiscal 2019 levels, beating the state's 2030 target for agencies several years early, Gov. Ned Lamont's office said Tuesday as it handed out the annual GreenerGov Awards at the State Capitol in Hartford.

Agency emissions fell an additional 10% from fiscal 2024 levels, according to the latest GreenerGov data. The governor's office credited greater use of clean electricity, less fossil fuel use, more renewable energy generation and better management of state buildings. The program's next goal is to cut state agency emissions 70% below 2016 levels by 2040.

"Reaching our greenhouse gas reduction target for state agencies ahead of schedule is an extraordinary achievement," Lamont said.

GreenerGov was created by executive order in 2019 and expanded in 2021. It is run by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Department of Administrative Services and the Office of Policy and Management. Officials said the program has also worked with the Connecticut Green Bank to find new sites for solar power at state facilities.

The Department of Labor was honored for a 21% cut in emissions between fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026, achieved through mechanical and building-control upgrades at its Wethersfield headquarters. The University of Connecticut won for a pilot program using 23 tabletop composting machines in student housing, and the Department of Motor Vehicles for installing 11 electric vehicle charging stations.

The Department of Correction was recognized for ground-mounted solar projects at three facilities that added more than two megawatts of capacity, with an estimated $11 million in lifetime savings, officials said. The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority won for drought-resistant native landscaping that reduces watering needs and stormwater runoff.

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities received the environmental and fiscal steward award for three fuel cell systems in New Britain, Manchester and Waterbury. The systems were installed through power purchase agreements with no upfront cost and are expected to save about $2 million a year in utility costs, according to the governor's office.

Shelly Mondo of the housing finance authority was named eco champion for creating an employee program that recognizes sustainable workplace habits.

The Signal reported Monday that Lamont launched the GreenerGov CT initiative in April 2019 by signing Executive Order 1, which challenged executive branch agencies to lead by example on the environment, save taxpayers money and help the state meet its climate goals.

Earlier coverage: Connecticut to honor state agencies for sustainability work at GreenerGov awards

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