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SUNY ESF, CSMM Showcases Zero Waste Leadership in New Case Study
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Nov. 24, 2025 — The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) and its Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) have released a new case study highlighting the College’s national leadership in advancing circular economy strategies and zero waste innovation.
In January 2024, ESF became the first institution of higher education in the United States to achieve campus-wide Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) Precertification for zero waste operations at its Syracuse campus, awarded by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). This recognition marked a milestone in higher education sustainability and affirmed ESF’s long-standing commitment to resource efficiency, transparency, and systems change.
Since then, ESF has continued to earn national accolades: the Post Landfill Action Network (PLAN) named the College the #2 Zero Waste Campus in the nation in October 2024 and in November 2025, and Rheaply honored ESF and CSMM with its Innovator Award in January 2025 for leadership in circular materials management and reuse systems.
“ESF has earned recognition as one of the nation’s top zero waste campuses and it reflects the dedication of our community to creating systems that protect resources, reduce emissions, and inspire change,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “This case study demonstrates that higher education can lead the way in building a circular economy, and ESF is proud to set that standard for institutions across the country.”
“This case study tells a story of progress and partnership,” said Sue Fassler, director of sustainability at ESF. “Through collaboration with CSMM and our students, faculty, and staff, we are demonstrating that circular economy principles can be applied at every scale of campus operations — from procurement to reuse- and that these systems can inspire real cultural change.”
The new case study documents how ESF’s waste diversion rate increased from 29% in 2018 to 56% by the end of 2024, and how the total weight of material sent to landfill and incineration decreased by 22% over the same period. These improvements were achieved through targeted reuse and recycling programs, expanded organics management, and cross-departmental coordination aligned with TRUE Zero Waste standards.
“SUNY ESF’s achievement represents a landmark moment for higher education. By integrating TRUE Zero Waste principles campus-wide, ESF demonstrates how institutions can build scalable systems that protect natural resources, reduce emissions, and inspire the next generation of sustainability leaders,” said Celeste McMickle, director of market transformation and development for TRUE with the USGBC.
Looking ahead, ESF is working to reach the 90% diversion rate required for full TRUE certification at its Syracuse campus and plans to eventually achieve this milestone at all ESF campuses statewide.
The case study provides an in-depth look at ESF’s journey towards circularity, its partnerships with GBCI, Rheaply, Zabble, and PLAN, and actionable insights for other institutions, businesses, and municipalities seeking to embed waste reduction practices into their operations. Access the new case study here.
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
The Center for Sustainable Materials Management was established at ESF in 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.
About GBCI
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.