Green Business Certification introduces TRUE Zero Waste program

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), an organization that administers certifications and professional credentials related to the environment based in Washington, recently unveiled its Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) zero waste rating system. The TRUE Zero Waste rating system helps businesses and facilities define, pursue and achieve their zero waste goals through project certification and professional credentialing, GBCI says.

TRUE-certified projects meet a minimum of 90 percent waste diversion for 12 months from landfills, incinerators (waste-to-energy) or the environment. TRUE is administered by GBCI and serves as a compliment to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

"By driving the adoption of green practices at all levels of business, we significantly impact greenhouse gases, manage risk and improve the health and well being of employees and the community," says Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC and GBCI. "By closing the loop on waste, organizations can become more resource efficient, discover potential new revenue streams and save money. TRUE delivers the business case for addressing waste."

Currently, there are 88 TRUE-certified facilities around the world. Microsoft, Tesla, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Nature's Path, Earth Friendly Products, Raytheon, Cintas and Northrop Grumman, among others, have facilities certified under the program. The TRUE Zero Waste certification, previously administered by the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council, was acquired by GBCI in 2016.

"Our goal is to help develop a zero-waste economy for all that delivers financial, environmental and social benefits," says Stephanie Barger, director, TRUE Zero Waste. "The TRUE team is working with organizations across industries to help set benchmarks, track performance, educate employees and deliver innovative solutions that move them closer to zero waste."