A Sustainable Step Forward: GreenGain Launches to Support Connecticut Manufacturers

Pictured: Resource Development Associates President, Rich DuPont, reviewing sustainability efforts by Legrand North America at their West Hartford facility. (Photo Credit: CT Office of Manufacturing)

Last week, we had the privilege of attending the launch of GreenGain, an exciting new program aimed at helping small manufacturing companies in Connecticut thrive through sustainability. Held at the innovative Legrand facility in West Hartford, the event brought together a dynamic group of Connecticut manufacturers, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates. The program's mission aligns with our own commitment to fostering resilience and innovation within the manufacturing sector.

What is GreenGain?

GreenGain is a pilot initiative spearheaded by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of Manufacturing in collaboration with the Connecticut Sustainable Business Council (CTSBC) and the Connecticut Green Bank.

Over the course of a year, this program will equip smaller manufacturers with training, financial resources, and mentoring support. The goal? To integrate energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability practices into their operations, driving both environmental impact and economic gains.

For manufacturers, GreenGain offers a comprehensive approach to staying competitive in an evolving market by addressing the interconnected challenges of economic growth, supply chain security, operational resilience, and sustainable development goals.

Why We're Excited

At RDA, we’ve spent two decades helping manufacturers build resilience and improve performance through energy management, workforce development, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. We know firsthand how impactful programs like GreenGain can be in positioning businesses for long-term success.

The program strengthens Connecticut’s role as a global leader in manufacturing and innovation. By addressing sustainability, manufacturers can boost performance, reduce costs, and contribute to a cleaner environment—a true win-win.

We’re excited to see the impact of GreenGain and are committed to support this initiative. To all the collaborators and industry leaders working to make this possible: thank you for your dedication to Connecticut’s manufacturing future!

Event Highlights

• A tour of the cutting-edge Legrand facility, showcasing their own sustainability efforts.

• Insightful conversations with collaborators, including Heather Burns of the CT Sustainable Business Council, Mackey Dykes of the CT Green Bank, CT's Chief Manufacturing Officer, Paul Lavoie, CT's Chief Manufacturing Officer, Paul Lavoie, and ​Michael Kijak, Director of Operational Excellence at Legrand North America.

• A collective commitment to helping Connecticut manufacturers “Make It Here” — sustainably.

To learn more about how RDA helps manufacturers, head over to our homepage.

To learn more about GreenGain, head here: https://www.ctsbcouncil.org/green-gain/