How to Achieve TRUE Zero Waste Certification for your Company
Companies that pursue zero waste can turn their landfill and permit costs into savings, strengthen environmental responsibility, and demonstrate leadership in sustainability to their employees, customers and community.
The most recognized zero waste certification is the TRUE Certification administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).
In 2015, I became a TRUE Advisor, which means I understand the requirements of the TRUE rating system and commit to advancing zero waste values and policies. In addition, I can support and implement a zero waste program and guide your facility through the certification process.
Interested in some help for your zero waste journey? Contact me!
What is TRUE Certification?
The TRUE (Total Resource Use & Efficiency) Certification, recognizes facilities, events, and construction projects that achieve at least 90% diversion of non‑hazardous waste from landfills, incineration, or the environment through reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, or recovery.
TRUE goes beyond simply reducing waste numbers. It encourages upstream policies and operational strategies that embed zero waste into organizational culture, similar to LEED.
Why Pursue TRUE Certification?
Key Benefits:
- Cost savings by reducing waste disposal and uncovering new revenue from diverted materials
- Stronger environmental and public health performance, with a smaller carbon footprint and pollution footprint
- Policy and leadership alignment, building internal capacity and zero‑waste culture across teams
- Offers recognition for proper sustainability leadership and valuable communication with stakeholders
Many global organizations including Colgate‑Palmolive and Tesla use TRUE to align facility operations with waste‑diversion goals.
Interested in some help for your zero waste journey? Contact me!
Can Your Facility Qualify?
TRUE certification is open to:
- Any physical facility, including offices, manufacturing sites, schools, and even events or construction projects using adapted guidance
- Portions of buildings, such as single floors or tenant spaces, as long as boundaries are clearly defined and the waste within that area is fully included
- Facilities globally, subject to compliance with local regulations (or equivalent) outside the U.S.
What Does It Take to Earn Certification?
1. Meet the Seven Minimum Program Requirements:
All must be addressed to be eligible
- Zero‑waste policy in place.
- Minimum 90% diversion rate over the most recent 12 months.
- Full compliance with all local, state, or federal waste laws and permits.
- Documented baseline year and adjustments for size or operation changes.
- Contamination of outbound materials kept below 10%.
- Annual submission of 12 months of diversion data to GBCI.
- Submission of a case study on zero‑waste initiatives.
2. Earn at Least 31 Credit Points (out of 81):
The TRUE Rating System features 15 credit categories (e.g. Redesign, Reduce, Reuse, Zero Waste Purchasing, Training, Innovation)
| Level | Points (subject to change) |
|---|---|
| Certified | 31–37 |
| Silver | 38–45 |
| Gold | 46–63 |
| Platinum | 64–81 |
3. Precertification Option (Optional but Recommended):
Precertification is available regardless of your diversion rate and is valid for 3 years, which provides recognition for foundational steps (like waste audits and policy development) for projects just starting their zero‑waste journey.
Certification Steps for Your Facility
- Register via GBCI’s TRUE portal—submit the certification agreement, pay registration fees (based on square footage), and select your registration tier
- Conduct a waste audit and establish your baseline diversion rate.
- Create or formalize a zero‑waste policy and engage leadership + staff.
- Implement diversion strategies: reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and procurement policies.
- Collect and submit 12 consecutive months of waste data plus contamination metrics to GBCI.
- Complete documentation to demonstrate compliance with MPRs and credit pathways.
- Submission review typically takes ~10 weeks; virtual meetings available during preliminary review
- Recertification every 3 years (for projects registered ≥ Sept 1, 2020) or as needed for upgrades or relocation
Optional: TRUE Advisor Credential
Engaging a TRUE Advisor brings expertise in navigating the certification process. Although not mandatory, having a certified Advisor on your team can boost credit eligibility and you can earn a pilot credit for this involvement
- Requirements: Online course (12 modules), 75‑question exam, completed within 180 days.
- Fees: $350 (USGBC member), $450 (non‑member); student discount available.
Interested in some help for your zero waste journey? Contact me!
Ready to Start? Suggested Facility Onboarding Plan
✅ Audit your baseline waste and current diversion performance.
✅ Draft or adopt a zero‑waste policy formalizing goals and procedures.
✅ Establish tracking systems for waste streams and contamination.
✅ Assign roles and training across staff and leadership.
✅ Explore credit strategies most relevant to your operations.
✅ Decide whether to pursue precertification first.
✅ Register with GBCI and prepare documentation for submission.
✅ Consider engaging a TRUE Advisor to assist in application and maximize credits.
Interested in some help for your zero waste journey? Contact me!
