Feature image photo credit: Javier Cordero Lozoya.
Applications are now open for the next round of the Certify Circularity New York (C2NY) program—a collaborative effort between the Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) and GBCI to advance sustainability, eliminate waste and drive circularity in workplaces across New York state.
C2NY supports businesses in achieving TRUE precertification and certification. This program helps organizations embed sustainable materials management practices, reduce waste, improve efficiency and generate environmental, economic and social benefits in their communities.
Apply by June 15 to get a chance to be part of this year’s cohort. Don’t miss your opportunity to become part of a statewide movement toward zero waste.
Following the successful pilot cohort in 2024, which supported five New York-based organizations in pursuing TRUE precertification and certification, this new phase will support up to six projects in 2025. Three selected projects will work toward TRUE precertification, and three will pursue full TRUE certification.
Apply for the program by June 15.
Highlights from the pilot cohort
These trailblazers are proof that with the right support, facilities of all sizes from all sectors can make meaningful progress toward zero waste:
TRUE precertification recipients
- Goodwill of the Finger Lakes: A nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals who face barriers to independence, Goodwill serves the greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region. The facility's TRUE precertification reflects a deep commitment to “a good today and a better tomorrow.”
- UBS Arena: Home to the NHL’s New York Islanders, UBS Arena is a LEED Certified venue and founding member of the Green Operations and Advanced Leadership program. Their journey from precertification to TRUE Silver certification shows how large venues can lead in operational sustainability.
TRUE certification recipients
- Chanel (Fifth Avenue location): The global luxury brand leads their U.S. operations out of New York City, and invests significantly in research and development, sustainable development, and innovation.
- Maison Jar: This woman-owned, low-waste grocery and refillery in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood is transforming retail waste reduction from store to supplier.
- Re:Dish: A pioneering, woman-owned company offering reuse as a service to institutions across sectors. Re:Dish’s scalable washing and tracking solutions make reuse feasible for cafeterias, arenas and beyond.
Why apply?
Administered by GBCI, TRUE certification helps facilities achieve 90% and higher waste diversion from landfill, incineration and the environment. Organizations accepted into C2NY will receive the following to support their zero waste journeys:
- Subsidized project registration fees (only $1,000 paid by the organization)
- Technical assistance and project management from CSMM
- One complimentary TRUE Advisor registration, providing critical training and accreditation
- A proven framework to meet ambitious materials management goals and accelerate participation in the circular economy
Who should apply?
While all industries are welcome, we are especially seeking applications from businesses and organizations in the following sectors:
- Agriculture
- Construction, demolition or deconstruction
- Furniture manufacturing
- Health care
- Textile manufacturing
Priority will be given to
- Projects located in environmental justice communities.
- Minority- and women-owned business enterprises.
To apply, organizations must
- Be located in New York state.
- Preferably be a small- to medium-sized facility.
- Demonstrate strong waste reduction goals and policies.
- Commit to the discounted registration fee of $1,000.
- Designate at least one staff member to complete the TRUE Advisor training and lead certification efforts (estimated to take 5–10 hours per week).
Join a growing movement working toward circularity
C2NY is more than a certification program—it's a movement to reimagine the future of materials and waste in New York. With direct support from CSMM and the global recognition of TRUE certification, participating organizations will be equipped to lead with impact, build sustainability into their operations and serve as models for circularity in their industries.
Applications are now open for the 2025 C2NY cohort. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking initiative.