CookUnity

Summary

Establishing the operational foundation for TRUE Zero Waste certification across CookUnity's New York City facilities through a Phase 1 sustainability assessment and a 90-day strategic roadmap, aligned with NYC's Zero Waste 2030 goals and DSNY requirements.

Key Achievements

• Delivered a Phase 1 baseline assessment across CookUnity's NYC kitchens, marketplace, warehouse, and fulfillment operations, establishing waste streams and operational indicators.

• Produced a 90-day strategic roadmap toward TRUE Zero Waste (GBCI) and SCS Zero Waste certification.

• Defined long-term KPIs, including diversion rate, composting rate, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, to guide leadership reporting and certification progress.

The Challenge

CookUnity set a company-wide commitment to zero waste, but translating that goal into certified, facility-level performance requires a measured operational baseline. Across its NYC kitchens, marketplace, warehouse, and fulfillment operations, the company needed a clear picture of current waste streams, alignment with New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) requirements, and a structured path toward TRUE or SCS Zero Waste certification, all in step with NYC's OneNYC Zero Waste 2030 goals.

How We Helped

• Analyzed Conducted facility walkthroughs across all NYC operational areas, combining direct observation with staff and department-head interviews to assess waste streams, bin placement, and signage.

• Reviewed department-collected waste data and ran staff surveys to establish a performance baseline, benchmarked against DSNY requirements through a structured gap analysis.

• Mapped waste streams across the facility and recommended improvements to signage and bin placement, including additions, removals, and repositioning.

• Structured a phased 90-day roadmap: onboarding and mapping, quick-win sorting and signage systems with staff training, then strategic integration toward certification.

The Impact

• Delivered CookUnity a data-driven baseline and clear operational roadmap to advance its zero-waste commitment toward formal certification.

• Equipped leadership with a KPI framework and dashboard structure to track diversion, composting, and GHG progress over time.

• Positioned the NYC facilities for TRUE/SCS certification scoping, aligned with DSNY compliance and NYC Zero Waste 2030 goals.