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Connecticut residents and organizations recognized for outstanding environmental stewardship

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (June 10, 2025) – On Saturday, June 7, Aquarion Water Company recognized this year’s Environmental Champion Award winners in a special 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.

“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,” said Lucy Teixeira, President of Aquarion Company. “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.”

The winners of the 2025 Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards are:

ASML, Wilton, CT (Large Business)

ASML stands at the forefront of semiconductor technology as the leading supplier in lithography equipment, powering the production of the world’s most advanced computer chips. ASML is a sustainability leader with a clear and ambitious vision for reducing its environmental impact across operations, supply chains, and product lifecycles. Central to this vision is ASML’s commitment to achieving greenhouse gas neutrality across all operations by 2040 by reducing energy consumption in manufacturing and buildings, switching to renewable energy sources, and offsetting any remaining emissions. ASML is engineering energy-efficient systems with a focus on reducing the energy demands of its EUV light sources, the most power-intensive component of its technology. ASML is also addressing commuting and business travel, encouraging more sustainable practices and supporting behavioral shifts across its global workforce. Additionally, through recycling, reuse, and smart resource management, ASML is reducing its environmental footprint while increasing efficiency and circularity throughout its operations.

Enfield Scuba and Watersports, Enfield, CT (Mid-Size Business)

For over two decades, Enfield Scuba and Watersports has served as a beacon for environmental education and marine conservation in Connecticut. As the state's largest scuba center, Enfield Scuba has led efforts to promote a clean Connecticut watershed while forming a strong, equity-based community program. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, schools, and local agencies, its passionate team of instructors and conservation advocates offers hands-on training in water safety, marine biology, and environmental conservation. Enfield Scuba and Watersports’ series of community-based, environmentally focused events, such as its “Dive Against Debris” lake cleanups, allows volunteers to develop their diving skills while helping the planet. This past May, Enfield Scuba also co-hosted a World Turtle Day celebration with Riverside Reptiles Conservation Zoo and The Turtle Room, spotlighting Connecticut’s endangered turtle species and raising critical funds for their protection.

Norwalk River Watershed Association, Wilton, CT (Non-Profit)

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.

Chris Schipper, New Canaan, CT (Adult)

As the former president of the New Canaan Land Trust (NCLT), New Canaan native Chris Schipper led a transformative overhaul of the organization, shifting its focus from traditional preservation to modern conservation. He led the creation of public trails on NCLT land and expanded its network to 400-acres of protected open space. Under Chris’s leadership, NCLT acquired 56-acres of bird sanctuaries and secured funding to acquire land for the New Canaan Firefly Sanctuary. In his current role as chair of the New Canaan Conservation Commission, Chris launched a water testing program on local rivers, engaging high school students to regularly monitor water quality. He also led the revitalization of Bristow Park - and established a Public-Private Partnership with the Land Trust for ongoing stewardship. Most recently, after a decade-long effort, the New Canaan Land Trust successfully acquired and permanently preserved the Grupes house and surrounding acreage.

Zoe Wu, Norwich, CT (Student)

A senior at the Marine Science Magnet High School in Groton, Zoe Wu is an inspiring environmental champion whose leadership is already leaving a lasting mark on Connecticut’s conservation efforts. As director and secretary of the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed, Zoe launched a Youth Council to engage her peers in environmental action through hikes, paddleboarding events, and hands-on legislative advocacy. Zoe co-founded her school’s Environmental Club and developed the “Game of Floods,” an interactive learning experience that helps students visualize how climate change affects local water systems. She also brings science to life through outdoor marsh education as a leader in the Mystic River Scientist program. Zoe co-organized the 2025 Southeastern Connecticut Youth Climate Summit and was a panelist at the Groton Earth Day Expo. She plans to study Environmental Psychology and Social Justice at the University of Connecticut.

To learn more about Aquarion’s 2025 Environmental Champion Award winners, please visit www.aquarionwater.com/awards.

About Aquarion Water Company:

Aquarion Water Company is the public water supply and wastewater treatment company for more than 780,000 people in 73 cities and towns in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  It is the largest investor-owned water utility in New England and among the seven largest in the U.S.  Based in Bridgeport, CT, Aquarion has been in the public water supply business since 1857.  Across its operations, Aquarion strives to act as a responsible steward of the environment and to assist the communities it serves in promoting sustainable practices. Aquarion Water Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eversource.

For more information on Aquarion Water Company, please visit www.aquarionwater.comor www.facebook.com/aquarionwater.

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