Page Top
1. What is TRUE
TRUE is a certification system developed by the Green Business Certification Inc.™(GBCI®) in the United States that aims for zero waste. It is a system that reduces waste through an approach that considers resource usage and efficiency and is named Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) from its initials.
The TRUE certification was officially announced in 2017 after being developed through the Green Business Certification Inc.™(GBCI®) launched in partnership with the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council (USZWBC) in 2016. The certification criteria are based on the internationally recognized definition of zero waste developed by the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA).
2. Eligible Projects
The TRUE certification covers all physical facilities owned and operated by the same owner and developer, including those owned by businesses, property management companies, schools, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. In addition to waste generated by completed physical facilities, large amounts are generated during temporary activities such as construction sites, exhibitions, and sporting events. To address this, TRUE for Construction and TRUE for Event were developed to expand the scope of TRUE certification and make it a more comprehensive tool for reducing waste in a wide range of settings worldwide.
3. Evaluation Items
TRUE certification comprises 6 MPRs (minimum program requirements) and 81 credits in 15 categories.
Minimum program requirements
- ・The project seeking certification must have a zero waste policy.
- ・Achieve an average waste diversion rate of at least 90% over the last 12 months.
- ・Must meet all national and local solid waste and recycling laws and regulations. Must comply with all air, water, and land discharge permits necessary for collecting, processing, or disposing of materials.
- ・Contamination levels for materials leaving the project site must not exceed 10%.
- ・Submit 12 months of waste diversion data to GBCI annually to keep certification current.
*Precertification does not require this requirement. - ・Submit case studies of zero waste initiatives.
Credits
REUSE
To optimize sustainability practices, the facility aims to design and implement a waste reduction system that prioritizes the reuse of materials and minimizes the amount of disposable materials and food waste generated on-site and off-site. In food and beverage facilities, establish a donation program to redirect surplus prepared food to organizations that can utilize it, mitigating unnecessary waste.
REDUCE
To reduce waste, the facility implements a tracking plan and undertake various measures such as promoting paperless operations in the office and adopting double-sided printing for copy paper.
REDESIGN
To optimize waste management system, the facility conducts a redesign by reviewing the size of waste collection containers, pickup frequency, collection contracts, and waste generation sources.
COMPOST(RE-EARTH)
When plant pruning waste and food waste are generated, a process shall be established to compost them. If the facility has a green space or farm, a system shall be established to use the installed compost to grow plants.
RECYCLE
To understand the entire life cycle of materials generated and to consider the highest and best use of materials generated at the facility.
ZERO WASTE REPORTING
Understand how waste generated at the facility is handled and study the financial impact of zero waste initiatives.
DIVERSION
Quantify the total amount of generated waste and compare it with the weight percentages of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting, to assess and measure waste management efforts.
ZERO WASTE PURCHASING
Establish ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED PURCHASING (EPP) guidelines or policies that direct consumers to choose durable goods over disposable goods and sustainably produced paper and wood products and implement the policy.
LEADERSHIP
To have the facility's upper management promote the zero waste program. Establish a program that encourages all employees to understand the significance of TRUE certification and to participate in and contribute to zero waste.
TRAINING
Educate all employees to ensure that they are aware of the zero waste policy and are fully involved in the implementation of the program. Include zero waste initiatives in employee orientation and evaluation processes. Educate suppliers as well to reduce waste.
ZERO WASTE ANALYSIS
Conduct audits to gain a better understanding of how to reduce waste, such as excess materials, and implement them. To understand and ultimately reduce the level of contamination in the recycling flow.
UPSTREAM MANAGEMENT
Encourage zero waste throughout the supply chain. Reduce waste by preventing as much as possible the receipt of products and materials that would otherwise be wasted at the facility.
HAZARDOUS WASTE PREVENTION
Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, and keep records of such handling, storage, and disposal.
CLOSED LOOP
Use copy paper made from post-consumer recycled materials in the facility. Purchase local compost to contribute to the local zero waste economy.
INNOVATION
New innovations to convert difficult-to-recycle materials into artwork or processed food products. Commitment to waste reduction, looking for zero waste approaches in ways that are not part of the TURE certification requirements, etc.
4. TRUE Advisor
The TRUE Advisor Certificate is awarded to those who have passed an exam administered by GBCI® that tests their knowledge of the TRUE rating system and the Zero Waste Program. Woonerf Inc. has several qualified advisors.
5. Process
TRUE certification is reviewed and granted under the criteria established by GBCI®. All communication regarding the submission of application documents and the application process is done online; the TRUE certification process involves only document review.
1．Project Registration
Fill out the basic information (project name, location, area, usage, building owner's name, etc.) on the registration form online and pay the registration fee.
2．Preparation of Application Documents
Prepare the necessary information for each application item with TRUE Advisors and create the application documents.
3．Review
After all the application documents are completed, please submit them to GBCI® along with the review fee for document review. After the initial review, the applicant will receive feedback from the GBCI® review team and respond with additional documents or clarifications. If the document review is passed, TRUE certification will be approved based on the confirmed score of the review result. Finally, submit a case study of certification achievement.
To maintain TRUE certification, annual waste diversion data must be submitted continuously, and recertification is required every three years.
6. Certification levels
TRUE certification is awarded on a four-level (Certified (31-37 points), Silver (38-45 points), Gold (46-63 points), and Platinum (64-81 points)), Platinum: 64-81 points, depending on the number of points awarded after all minimum requirements have been met.
7. Fees
TRUE certification requires a project registration fee, an audit fee, and a consulting price. Project fees vary depending on the total floor area of the project to be audited. Please refer to the link below for cost details.
TRUE certification fee：https://true.gbci.org/registration-and-certification-fees
Note: USGBC® and GBCI® do not endorse the TRUE summary which is the sole creation of Woonerf. For more information about the TRUE Standard, please visit true.gbci.org