Environment & Energy
Overview
The CRCOG region is home to an array of natural features that support the ecological health of the region and state, provide enjoyment and recreational opportunities to our communities and visitors, and protect our own health and wellbeing. CRCOG leads various initiatives and provides tools and resources to help its member municipalities protect critical resources and incorporate sustainability principles into everyday practice. Past and current efforts including helping the region: prepare for oncoming consequences of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas, mitigate natural hazards, and address stormwater. For our efforts related to brownfields assessment and remediation, check out our Economic Development page.
NEW: CRCOG is undertaking the Capitol Region Stormwater Authority Feasibility study. Sign up to receive project emails here.
CRCOG INITIATIVES
CRCOG has updated the regional “Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan (HMCAP)”. The Plan was approved by FEMA and adopted by each municipality.
CRCOG is developing a climate action plan, supported by the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG), to reduce greenhouse gases in the region.
CRCOG surveyed the region’s planning directors to better understand how each municipality is approaching Public Act 21-29, which requires cities and towns to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), among other requirements.
Open Space
With reduced statewide forest cover (-6.5%), significant regional farmland loss (-85%), and Heat Stress emergency visits on the rise over the last 10 years, as reported in in CRCOG’s 2024-2034 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), protecting open space is crucial for counteracting development disbenefits and preventing natural resource degradation. Open space provides numerous benefits for people and the planet, including clean air and water, healthy soils conservation, increased flood and natural hazards resiliency, improved health from outdoor recreation, and reduced urban heat island effect. The total amount of open space acquired across the state has increased since 1998, but the percentage of open space is being acquired each year is stagnating.
Check out our Open Space website that dives deeper into what open space is and what it means to the Capitol Region.
partnership with sustainable ct
CRCOG has partnered with Sustainable CT to facilitate regional planning of sustainability initiatives, communicate and track progress, and provide CRCOG municipalities with overarching frameworks to achieve sustainability goals. CRCOG assists in reviewing applications for certification and has hosted interns who help communities apply for certification. CRCOG has partnered with Sustainable CT on multi-community projects, including a recent affordable housing initiative.
As of February 2026, 14 CRCOG communities have achieved certification:
- Gold: Glastonbury, Manchester, Mansfield, Vernon, and West Hartford
- Silver: Coventry, Marlborough, and Rocky Hill
- Bronze: Andover, Bolton, Ellington, Granby, Suffield, and Windsor
- Climate Leader: Glastonbury, Manchester, Mansfield, Vernon, and West Hartford
Other Projects and Resources
- Waste Management & Recycling
- Brownfields funding
- Sustainable Land Use Code Project, Model Land Use Regulations (2014): Model regulations for energy conservation and alternative energy; local foods systems; compact, mixed use development patterns; and housing diversity and affordability.