Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment (RACE)
R.A.C.E. is a volunteer organization comprised of Ridgefield residents who are passionate about creating a greener, more sustainable future. We serve in an advisory capacity to Ridgefield’s First Selectperson and work to create a more eco-conscious community.
Our member-designed and implemented projects focus on three key pillars:
- Responsible Energy Use
- Conservation of Natural Resources
- Reduction of Waste
Volunteer with Us! Ridgefield residents are welcome to join our committee of sustainably-minded neighbors. Please email [email protected] to join our monthly Zoom meetings. They take place on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
Stay in the Loop: For the most up-to-date information about RACE and local environmental, sustainability, and energy-focused events please follow us on Facebook!
Contact Us: [email protected]
Happening Now
Volunteers Wanted: Help Bring the HeatSmart Program to Our Community!
RACE is seeking volunteers to help bring the PACE (People's Action for Clean Energy) HeatSmart program to our community. The initiative aims to increase awareness and understanding of heat pumps, as well as driving their adoption across the community.
No experience required - just a commitment to a sustainable future!
Interested? Reach out to [email protected] to join us in bringing this transformative program to Ridgefield.
Ridgefield Solar Celebration & EV Show: RACE recently hosted a solar celebration and EV show to celebrate the town of Ridgefield’s 12th and largest solar array, the Solar Canopy at Ridgefield High School. Together, the town’s 12 solar installations generate power equivalent to 33% of the town's electrical demand. All 12 solar projects, including the Solar Canopy at Ridgefield High School, have been financed by third parties. These projects have saved the town over $5.6 million in a 20-year period, with an annual savings of $280,000.
Resources & Information
Recycling Center & Transfer Station Information: Please click here to view information about the Ridgefield Transfer Station and Ridgefield’s mixed (single-stream) recycling program.
Where Can I Recycle It?: Not sure where to bring your item? Click here for a Ridgefield guide!
Food Scraps to Compost Program: It is estimated that almost 25% of our waste stream is food. Ridgefield residents are encouraged to sign up for the free composting program online or at the Recycling Center. Drop off your food scraps and pick up fresh nutrient-rich soil, while reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions! Additional information on food waste composting is available here.
Thinking About Installing Solar, Heat Pumps, or EV Charging? A great place to start is Energy Sage. They connect you to specialists in our area based on your needs. You can also email [email protected] to request to be connected with a fellow Ridgefield resident who has installed a similar project for help and guidance!
Ridgefield's Sustainability Leaders: Every three years, RACE coordinates Ridgefield’s application for Sustainable CT’s certification program. Ridgefield earned Sustainable CT’s Bronze Certification in its inaugural class of certifying municipalities and we were awarded Bronze Certification in 2021 and 2024.
