Feature image credit: vetre, Adobe Stock.
The Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM), housed at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), and in collaboration with GBCI, issued a call for projects. Facilities throughout New York state interested in obtaining TRUE certification for zero waste are invited to respond.
The CSMM vision is to make New York state a driving force of the future by galvanizing and leading all sectors to apply the principles of sustainable materials management, propelling the state to become the least resource-consumptive and most circular in the U.S. At its core, GBCI equips the people and projects needed to ensure a viable, healthier and more sustainable future for all human beings, “making this partnership an important one that aligns CSMM’s vision with GBCI’s zero waste expertise,” says Kate Walker, CSMM’s executive director.
CSMM and GBCI are seeking to support three facilities in New York State in achieving TRUE certification and three facilities in achieving TRUE Precertification. TRUE certification measures a facility, event or construction project’s diversion rate with a requirement of a minimum of 90% diversion from landfill, incineration and the environment.TRUE precertification recognizes facilities and projects that are on the journey to zero waste. With a reduced number of required credits (nine) and waiving of the requirement to achieve 90% or greater diversion, precertification is an ideal option for companies that have set zero waste targets and are working toward achieving their goals. CSMM will provide project management and technical assistance to selected projects. Project costs will be financed by both CSMM and TRUE. One TRUE Advisor certificate registration will be included for each facility.
Projects will be prioritized in the following sectors:
- Health care
- Textile manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Construction and demolition
- Furniture manufacturing
“In collaboration with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation [CSMM’s primary funder], we selected these broad sectors because adopting zero waste practices in these areas can be more difficult than in other sectors. By choosing to focus on these industries, these projects will support New York in leading innovative zero waste practices and advancing circular economy practices,” says Walker.
Aligning with CSMM’s values and GBCI’s DEI vision, facilities located in environmental justice communities and/or MWBE-owned businesses will be prioritized. “GBCI is committed to providing equitable programs that support underresourced communities who have experienced the financial, health and environmental impacts of the built environment in their backyards. Marginalized communities bear the brunt of poor waste management, and TRUE certification provides a framework for companies to reduce waste and improve the health and well-being of people in those communities,” says Celeste McMickle, GBCI’s client relations director with TRUE.
Facilities should review the call for projects and complete the application form by April 30.