The following was compiled from a press release from Aquarion Water Company, along with quotes from a press release from the Town of Wilton.
On Saturday evening, June 7, Aquarion Water Company recognized this year’s Environmental Champion Award winners in a ceremony at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. Each year, Aquarion selects a large business, a small business, a non-profit organization, an adult, and a student to be recognized for their commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
Winners in the business, non-profit and adult categories receive a $5,000 grant to support an environmental non-profit of their choice. The student winner receives a $1,000 award.
This year, two of the five award recipients were based in Wilton. Aquarion recognized ASML as its “Large Business” awardee and the Norwalk River Watershed Association as the non-profit recipient.
A press release from the Town of Wilton sent on Thursday, June 12, said that ASML was nominated for the award by First Selectman Toni Boucher, and called the company a “dedicated community partner.”
Boucher wrote that she was “thrilled” ASML was getting much-deserved acknowledgment for its environmental advocacy, and noted the company’s importance to Wilton and Connecticut “cannot be overstated.”
““They have proven time and again to be visionary leaders in science and technology, business, community advocacy and now the environment. Not only is ASML a world leader in advanced manufacturing but they grow and nurture skilled talent, are responsible stewards of the environment and champions of all our community nonprofits. We could not be prouder of their achievements and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition,” Boucher wrote.
ASML Strategy Office Program Manager Michael Opuszynski accepted the award and shared the recognition with the company’s local nonprofit community partners, mentioning Ambler Farm, Norwalk River Valley Trail, Wilton Land Trust and Woodcock Nature Center.
The town’s release noted that ASML was honored for its “Environmental Management System,” an approach that’s “woven into all its business practices.”
“These guidelines help the company track [its] energy usage and carbon emissions so [it] can improve productivity and efficiency by monitoring three major components: First, ASML aims to have all of [its] manufacturing plants and other buildings on [its] campuses be greenhouse gas neutral by the end of 2025, using renewable energy sources and compensating for any outstanding CO2 emissions; second, [ASML is] finding new ways to support environmentally friendly business travel and commuting options that incentivize greener choices among their employees; and third, [it is] designing products that reduce energy consumption and costs while improving their performance and market reach.
Beyond their immediate 2025 environmental goals, ASML is working with their industry partners to become greenhouse gas neutral on a global scale by 2040.
Aquarion’s press release said the following about the Norwalk River Watershed Association:
“Founded in 1996, the Norwalk River Watershed Association (NRWA) is a leading environmental non-profit dedicated to protecting and restoring the Norwalk River Watershed in southwestern Connecticut. The association mobilizes volunteers to restore habitats and shape water policy, building a healthier, more resilient watershed. Completely volunteer-led, NRWA has planted over 7,000 native trees and shrubs and removed nearly 10,000 pounds of litter from local rivers and green spaces. As a co-host of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival and an influential voice in statewide policy conversations around pesticide use and water protection, NRWA continues to leave its mark on our state, driving systemic change and empowering future generations. Whether engaging hundreds of volunteers each year or advocating for science-based environmental policy, NRWA remains focused on one goal: reconnecting people to nature and ensuring the long-term health of the Norwalk River watershed.”
The other recipients were Enfield Scuba and Watersports in Enfield, CT (mid-size business); New Canaan resident and former New Canaan Land Trust President Chris Schipper (adult); and Zoe Wu of Norwich (student), who is a senior at the Marine Science Magnet High School in Groton and the director and secretary of the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed.
“Aquarion is proud to honor those across the state who share our commitment to preserving the natural environment. From large companies to high school students, their dedication to sustainability and environmental protection serves as an inspiration for Connecticut residents and paves the way for a brighter future,” Aquarion President Lucy Teixeira said. “All of our winners are extremely deserving of the title Environmental Champion, as they represent what it means to advocate for our natural resources. We look forward to seeing all they continue to accomplish.”