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GBCI is pleased to announce that the Green Business Certification Inc.’s TRUE Certification program for zero waste has signed an MOU with the Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM), which is located at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, in pursuit of a state-wide circular economy.
The New York State Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) was established in 2020 through an NYS Environmental Protection Fund grant administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The organization is committed to supporting New York State in an effort to achieve advanced waste management practices according to the highest standards adopted globally, through both education and technical solutions, to minimize waste production by facilities, companies and individuals. In pursuit of this mission, the Center places SUNY and their partners in a leadership role on materials and waste reduction, reuse and recycling in New York and the United States at large.
Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) is the world’s leading sustainability and health certification and credentialing body. Established in 2008, GBCI exclusively administers nearly 10 project certifications and 15 professional credentials including the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) certification for zero waste and TRUE Advisor certificate program. Implemented by GBCI, TRUE helps businesses and facilities measure, improve and recognize zero waste performance by encouraging the adoption of sustainable waste management and reduction practices, which contribute to positive environmental, health and economic outcomes.
“Reducing the negative impacts of waste on people and the environment will require prioritizing policies, operations and actions that dramatically reduce waste and limit resource extraction and use upstream,” explains Sean McMahon, Vice President of Product Management at GBCI. “Implementing zero waste practices requires rethinking, retraining, new tools and strong leadership to change current waste systems. With CSMM's leadership in this endeavor, they can prepare New York’s communities for a more sustainable future.”
As part of the MOU, GBCI will partner with the Center to identify opportunities to increase public awareness of zero waste and waste reduction strategies. To further this goal, GBCI and CSMM will explore pathways to:
- increase educational opportunities to the public and within the CSMM staff related to the TRUE Advisor certificate program, which trains professionals on the TRUE rating system and zero waste implementation;
- increase market adoption of TRUE certification for zero waste throughout New York state, and;
- promote zero waste programs more efficiently using shared resources, tools, and information.
“Together, these two organizations will expand our reach in New York to inspire, lead, and connect a diverse group of people and organizations,” said Kate Walker, CSMM Executive Director. “Our work will assist communities and businesses to adapt sustainable materials management and reduction practices and propel the state to become the least resource consumptive and most circular in the country.”
Waste affects every part of our communities, and effective waste management strategies are critical tools in ensuring both public and environmental health. The TRUE program provides a powerful market tool that helps facilities and businesses implement zero waste strategies, targets and plans. We are excited to bring the TRUE program to New York’s markets to help us move toward a more sustainable future for all and improve the quality of life for people across the state.