The New York State Center for Sustainable Materials Management Launches Statewide Zero Waste Call for Projects

01/31/2023

The Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM), housed at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), and in collaboration with Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), issued a Call for Projects. Facilities throughout New York State interested in obtaining Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) Certification for zero waste are invited to respond.

The CSMM vision is to make New York State a driving force of the future by galvanizing and leading all sectors of the State to apply the principles of sustainable materials management, propelling the State to become the least resource consumptive and most circular in the country. At its core, GBCI equips the people and projects needed to ensure a viable, healthier, and more sustainable future for all human beings, "making this partnership an important one that aligns CSMM's vision with GBCI's zero waste expertise," said Kate Walker, CSMM's Executive Director.

CSMM and GBCI are seeking to support three facilities in New York State in achieving TRUE Certification and three facilities in achieving TRUE Precertification. TRUE certification is a full zero-waste certification that measures a facility, event, or construction project's diversion rate with a requirement of a minimum of 90% diversion from landfill, incineration, and the environment. To achieve the required diversion rate, projects implement the TRUE rating system, a roadmap to zero waste with 81 credits, or strategies, to help measure goals. TRUE precertification recognizes facilities and projects that are on the journey to zero waste. With a reduced number of required credits (9) and waiving of the requirement to achieve 90% or greater diversion, precertification is an ideal option for companies that have set zero waste targets and are working towards achieving their goals. CSMM will provide project management and technical assistance to selected projects. Project costs will be financed by both CSMM and TRUE. One TRUE Advisor certificate registration, which trains individuals on the rating system's implementation, will be included for each facility.

Owned and administered by GBCI, TRUE Certification helps facilities measure, improve, and recognize zero waste performance by encouraging the adoption of sustainable waste management and reduction practices, which contribute to positive environmental, health, and economic outcomes. The TRUE rating system offers a comprehensive framework to help facilities, portfolios, events, and even construction sites design waste out of their system and commit to a streamlined, circular model.

Projects will be prioritized in the following sectors:

• Healthcare
• Textile Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Construction and Demolition
• Furniture Manufacturing

"In collaboration with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation [CSMM's primary funder], we selected these broad sectors because adopting zero waste practices in these areas can be more difficult than in other sectors. By choosing to focus on these industries, these projects will support New York in leading innovative zero waste practices and advancing circular economy practices," said Walker.

Aligning with CSMM's values and GBCI's DEI vision, facilities located in environmental justice communities and/or MWBE-owned businesses will be prioritized. "GBCI is committed to providing equitable programs that support under-resourced communities who have experienced the financial, health, and environmental impacts of the built environment in their backyards. Marginalized communities bear the brunt of poor waste management, and TRUE certification provides a framework for companies to reduce waste and improve the health and well-being of people in those communities," said Celeste McMickle, GBCI's Client Relations Director with TRUE.

Facilities should review the Call for Projects and complete the application here by March 31.

Learn more by visiting the Center for Sustainable Materials Management website.

The Center for Sustainable Materials Management was established at ESF in the spring of 2020 through a New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grant administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The Center places ESF, DEC, and their partners in a leadership role regarding materials (waste) reduction, reuse, and recycling in New York and the US. The Center's mission is to inspire, lead, and connect a diverse group of people and organizations that will collectively challenge the concept of "waste," through redefining and reimagining how we procure, produce, consume, manage, and market materials.

Founded in 1911, ESF is one of the nation's premier colleges focused exclusively on the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable future. The College is a recognized leader in the practice of sustainability and is consistently ranked as one of the "greenest" colleges in the nation.

GBCI is the world's leading sustainability and health certification and credentialing body. Established in 2008, GBCI exclusively administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates within the framework of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating systems, as well as the PEER standard for power systems, the WELL Building Standard, the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES), EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), TRUE certification for zero waste and Investor Confidence Project (ICP) for energy efficiency retrofits. Visit www.gbci.org