ESF's CSMM was honored by the USGBC New York Upstate. Pictured from left, Melissa Young, SU Center for Community Solutions; Celeste McMickle, TRUE Zero Waste; Kate Walker, CSMM; Mark Lichtenstein, ESF; and Rick Fedrizzi, International WELL Building Institute and ESF Trustee.

ESF’s Center for Sustainable Materials Management Receives Leadership Award

08/09/2024

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Aug. 9, 2024 – The Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) was honored for its commitment to environmental justice communities, small businesses, and Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWB) throughout New York state by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) New York Upstate. Housed at the SUNY College for Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), the CSMM works to bring industry professionals together to rethink the way materials are managed in New York state.

The CSMM received the Community Champion Award for its significant commitment to the USGBC, the Circular Economy, and zero waste by funding projects focused on environmental justice communities, small businesses, and MWBEs throughout the state in 2023 and 2024 to achieve Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) certification. TRUE helps facilities measure, improve and recognize zero waste performance through sustainable waste management and reduction practices, which contribute to positive environmental, health and economic outcomes.

“This honor highlights the importance of the CSMM’s work in advancing the circular economy and zero waste initiatives across New York state,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “The center’s dedication to environmental justice and support for small businesses and MWBEs is commendable and crucial for creating a sustainable future. Congratulations to Kathryn Walker for her leadership in these important initiatives.”

CSMM Executive Director Kathryn Walker and Mark Lichtenstein, ESF executive operating officer, attended the Leadership Awards ceremony in Albany on Aug. 8. The awards honor projects, people, and partners that demonstrate excellence in working to create better buildings and improve the lives of all in their communities. The awards also highlight the green building initiatives of community projects in upstate New York, the area's organizations, and local USGBC members.

In addition to providing funding, CSMM offers technical assistance, public-facing marketing, and support for the TRUE program as its footprint grows in New York. Through funding provided by the New York State Environmental Fund and administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, CSMM will provide and expand support to the program in 2025 and 2026. 

About the CSMM

The New York State Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) works to bring together people and organizations to innovate how materials are managed in New York state. This is accomplished through waste reduction and product stewardship, closed-loop responsible purchasing, expanding recycling markets, outreach, education and engagement; and research.

About SUNY ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.