The concept of zero waste is becoming increasingly popular as individuals and organizations recognize the importance of reducing their impact on the environment. Zero waste is a philosophy that aims to minimize waste generation by encouraging resource conservation, redesigning products and processes, and reusing and recycling materials.
Certifications for zero waste are an essential tool to help organizations measure their progress towards zero waste goals. These certifications provide a framework for businesses to identify improvement areas and establish best waste reduction practices. One such certification is TRUE Certification.
What is TRUE Certification?
TRUE Certification, or Total Resource Use and Efficiency, is a certification program developed by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) to recognize organizations demonstrating leadership in waste reduction and resource conservation. The TRUE Certification program evaluates an organization’s waste management practices based on several performance categories: reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting.
Benefits of TRUE Certification include enhanced credibility and reputation, cost savings through waste reduction, and access to expert resources and training. Additionally, TRUE Certification can help organizations meet sustainability goals and comply with regulatory requirements.
Compared to other certifications for zero waste, such as ISO 14001 or LEED, TRUE Certification is unique in its focus on waste reduction and resource conservation. While these other certifications may touch on waste management practices, TRUE Certification is specifically designed to measure an organization’s efforts towards zero waste.
The program’s goal is to divert all solid waste from landfills, incineration, and the environment, and to achieve resource efficiency. Facilities that meet the minimum program requirements and attain at least 31 points on the TRUE Application form can achieve certification. TRUE certification evaluates seven minimum program requirements, including a zero waste policy, diversion rate, compliance with solid waste and recycling laws and regulations, data documenting waste diversion, 12 months of waste diversion data, a 10 percent contamination level, and submission of a case study of zero waste initiatives.
TRUE certified spaces are environmentally responsible and efficient in managing resources. They help reduce greenhouse gases, manage risks, reduce litter and pollution, reinvest resources locally, create jobs, and add more value for their company and community. TRUE also certifies events to improve their sustainability. The program is available for any physical facility and their operations, including buildings owned by businesses, property managers, schools, government agencies, and nonprofits.
To enroll in the TRUE program for zero waste certification, organizations must complete an online registration form. The program offers precertification, recertification, and the TRUE Portfolio Program. TRUE precertification prioritizes the core actions essential to getting a successful start towards zero waste. TRUE certified projects may recertify by providing annual performance data demonstrating that the project continues to meet zero waste requirements. TRUE Portfolio Program offers a streamlined documentation submittal and verification process that leverages the similarities between multiple buildings to recognize their zero waste accomplishments.
Who can get TRUE Certified?
Any organization interested in improving its waste management practices can achieve TRUE certification. The TRUE certification program is available for physical facilities and their operations, including businesses, property managers, schools, government agencies, and nonprofits. Construction projects are also eligible for certification through the TRUE for Construction Projects Pilot program, which is adapted from the TRUE rating system. Events such as conferences, festivals, entertainment or sporting events are also eligible for TRUE certification under the TRUE for Events certification program.
To get started, organizations must complete an online registration form and follow the TRUE Certification requirements, including meeting the minimum program requirements and achieving at least 31 points on the TRUE Application form. TRUE certification provides a framework for organizations to measure and improve their waste management practices, resulting in a more sustainable and efficient business model. By achieving TRUE certification, organizations can improve their environmental impact, reduce costs, and enhance their reputation.
Conclusion
TRUE Certification is a valuable tool for organizations that want to demonstrate their commitment to zero waste and resource conservation. By following the TRUE Certification standards and achieving certification, organizations can improve their environmental impact, reduce costs, and enhance their reputation.
TRUE Certification stands out from other certifications for zero waste in its comprehensive focus on waste reduction and resource conservation. The TRUE Certification program provides a framework for organizations to measure and improve their waste management practices, resulting in a more sustainable and efficient business model.
