Center for Sustainable Materials Management Announces New Cohort of Projects Pursuing TRUE Certification for Zero Waste through C2NY Program

10/06/2025

SYRACUSE, N.Y. —  Oct. 7, 2025 — The Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM), housed at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), in collaboration with U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), announced the next cohort of projects receiving technical assistance through the Certify Circularity New York (C2NY) Program to pursue TRUE Certification and Precertification for Zero Waste. 

The Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) rating system offers a comprehensive framework that guides facilities, construction sites, and events to eliminate waste and adopt circular systems. TRUE Certification requires a minimum of 90% diversion from landfill and incineration, encouraging lasting system change and resource recovery.

Through technical and financial support, including a TRUE Advisor certificate registration, the C2NY program empowers New York businesses and organizations to become leaders in sustainable materials management.

The C2NY program aligns with CSMM’s broader goal of a market-wide transition to a circular economy with the hope of positioning New York as a national leader, driving reductions in resource consumption.

Pilot Program Success

During the program’s pilot phase, CSMM supported five diverse businesses and organizations, from a state-of-the-art sports arena to an independent sustainable grocery store and refillery. Over the one-year reporting period, three businesses achieved full TRUE Certification and collectively diverted more than 814 tons of waste – 94% of which was attributed to reuse strategies. Notable examples of reuse and waste reduction include reusable dining ware for staff, recovered cardboard for internal shipping, reusable containers for outbound shipments, returnable packaging for customers, vendor collaboration for circular packaging, duplex printing defaults, and the use of digital receipts instead of paper.

 2025 C2NY Program Partners

Following the success of its pilot, CSMM is proud to welcome the following organizations into the next round of C2NY: 

• Earth Matter NY Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art, science, and application of composting in and around New York City. Located on Governor’s Island, Earth Matter NY accepts and processes food waste generated by New York City residents. Additionally, through a partnership with The Trust for Governors Island, Earth Matter NY processes all landscape and food waste generated by Island partners and visitors.
• Located on Long Island, Farmingdale State College is committed to advancing green energy and sustainability principles. Farmingdale State College strives to make its campus a more sustainable place to live, work, and learn by incorporating environmental protection, economic vitality and social equity into their policies and procedures.
• Monaghan Medical and its affiliates are global leaders in the development and manufacturing of innovative, high-quality, patient-oriented aerosol drug delivery devices and respiratory management products. Monaghan Medical views sustainability as essential to its mission of improving respiratory health, integrating environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical governance into every aspect of its operations.
• The New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling (NYSAR³) is the state’s premier sustainable materials management (SMM) industry organization. NYSAR³ provides industry leadership on waste reduction, reuse, and recycling issues and practices to improve the environment. They are aiming to make the Annual NYSAR³ Conference and Trade show the first TRUE Precertified event in New York state.
• As New York’s first Scope 3 carbon-neutral caterer, Purslane is dedicated to providing sustainable dining experiences. In addition to prioritizing waste reduction and diversion, Purslane sources ingredients from local vendors to create seasonal menus that minimize environmental impacts.
• Sunnking’s mission is to revolutionize the way electronics are recycled, creating a sustainable future for generations to come. As an R2 certified recycler, Sunnking is committed to providing premier consumer electronics recycling services that not only safeguard the environment but also empower individuals to make responsible choices for the planet.

Project partners were selected for the strength of their zero-waste goals, innovative potential, and impact within their industry. Priority was given to small businesses and organizations located in environmental justice communities.    

“This cohort reflects the continued growth of the movement in New York to transform how we think about and manage materials,” said Kathryn Walker, CSMM’s executive director. “Each organization brings vision and ambition, and together, they demonstrate that waste is not an inevitability; it’s a design flaw we can correct. Through the C2NY program, we’re not just diverting waste, we’re cultivating a culture of circularity across industries.” 

"We at TRUE and the USGBC are so thrilled to be continuing this incredible opportunity with our new cohort of projects generously funded by CSMM. Over the years, we’ve seen that market transformation is the most successful when public and private partnerships come together to achieve shared goals around sustainable action, and the fact that we are rolling out our second cohort of six projects is a real testament to that. I can’t wait to see these teams achieve their zero waste goals!”  said Celeste McMickle, director of market transformation and development for TRUE with the USGBC

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC is proud to support and partner with the Center for Sustainable Materials Management to advance the TRUE Certification and Precertification for zero-waste and other programs that promote sustainability and advance New York’s circular economy. Reducing waste is central to protecting New York’s environment, and I applaud our partners at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry for their work to support sustainable materials management practices.”

Learn more about the C2NY program by visiting the Center for Sustainable Materials Management website.

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.

About CSMM and GBCI

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 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). CSMM places ESF, DEC, and their partners in leadership roles regarding materials (waste) reduction, reuse, and recycling in New York and the U.S.

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. 

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) is the world’s leading sustainability and health certification and credentialing body, independently recognizing excellence in performance and practice globally while promoting adoption of building and business practices that continually and measurably improve health, equity, resilience and environmental wellbeing for all. GBCI administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates including the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating systems, as well 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. Learn more at gbci.org.