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 91仓库.
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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 鈥� 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.
听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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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. 鈥淭his cohort reflects the continued growth of the movement in New York to transform how we think about and manage materials,鈥� said Kathryn Walker, CSMM鈥檚 executive director. 鈥淓ach organization brings vision and ambition, and together, they demonstrate that waste is not an inevitability; it鈥檚 a design flaw we can correct. Through the C2NY program, we鈥檙e not just diverting waste, we鈥檙e cultivating a culture of circularity across industries.鈥�