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TRUE Zero-Waste Certification

Your Guide to Achieving TRUE Zero Waste Certification

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Discover how TRUE Zero Waste Certification drives measurable waste reduction, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability performance with support by RTS’s expert TRUE Advisors.

About TRUE Zero-Waste Certification

TRUE Zero-Waste Certification is a measurable way to meet your sustainability goals by redesigning processes, improving resource efficiency, committing to leadership and stakeholder engagement, and working towards continuous improvement. Its aims, in the words of GBCI is to “enhance health, equity, resilience, sustainability, and prosperity” for everyone in the built environment.

As a proud TRUE advisor, RTS is committed to the zero-waste principles underpinning the GBCI’s (Green Business Certification Inc.) certification program. These include sustainable resource management and waste reduction practices designed to deliver positive environmental, health, and economic impacts, transforming the way materials flow through society and ultimately accounting for the entire lifecycle of products.

But what exactly is TRUE certification and how can it help your business showcase its commitment to minimizing waste output and advancing the green economy? Here, we explore those questions and more in our guide to TRUE Zero-Waste Certification.

Explore how our TRUE Advisors worked with Whole Foods Market in our case study.

Explore the Guide

Understanding TRUE Zero-Waste Certification

What Are the Minimum Certification Requirements to Achieve TRUE Zero Waste

Steps to Achieve TRUE Zero-Waste Certification

Integrating TRUE Zero Waste into Business Operations

What Are the Benefits of TRUE Zero-Waste Certification?

Understanding TRUE Zero-Waste Certification

TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency), is a zero-waste certification program that aims to help organizations achieve their sustainability goals through transparent documentation of their waste management practices and resource usage. It was designed as a complement to LEED certification and its associated projects.

It works for us here at RTS since it focuses on reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and incineration, encouraging the reuse and recycling of materials to create closed-loop systems. With this in mind, there are a number of fundamental principles that guide the TRUE program.

These include:

  • Redesigning Processes — Innovations designed to eliminate waste at its source and create closed-loop systems are two principles that RTS supports.
  • Resource Efficiency — Using fewer materials and more renewable resources to minimize waste and make processes more resource efficient.
  • Recovery of All Resources — Ensuring all waste is reused, recycled, or composted.
  • Leadership Commitment — Securing high-level management support for zero-waste goals and policies.
  • Employee and Stakeholder Engagement — Involving everyone, from staff to customers, in the company’s zero-waste initiatives.
  • Continuous Improvement — Reviewing and enhancing waste management practices on a regular basis.

What Are the Minimum Certification Requirements to Achieve TRUE Zero Waste

To achieve TRUE Zero-Waste Certification, an organization must meet several minimum program requirements:

  1. Achieve a Diversion Rate of at Least 90% — Divert solid waste from landfills, incineration, and the environment.
  2. Document and Track Waste — Maintain thorough records of waste diversion data and processes using zero-waste reporting systems.
  3. Compliance with Local Regulations — Ensure waste management practices comply with all relevant laws.
  4. Develop a Zero-Waste Policy — Create and implement a comprehensive policy outlining zero-waste goals and procedures.
  5. Conduct Waste Audits — Perform regular waste audits to identify areas for improvement.
  6. Employee Engagement — Train and involve employees in zero-waste strategies and policies.
  7. Community Responsibility — Promote waste diversion practices within the local community.

RTS’s certified TRUE Advisors help organizations implement zero waste strategies that deliver environmental, health, and economic impact across the built environment.

Steps to Achieve TRUE Zero-Waste Certification

Our own TRUE certification journey was supported by our desire to improve waste management systems and make them more sustainable. Today, we advise businesses on how to navigate the various steps to achieving certification based on our own experiences and the structure laid out within the GSBC literature. While each organization will need to fulfill the minimum requirements according to their own operations, the following steps are a broad outline of how to approach the program.1. Conduct a Waste AuditA waste audit is the first step towards understanding the types and amounts of waste generated by your organization.

    • Collect Data — Gather detailed information on waste generation for a thorough zero-waste analysis.
    • Identify Waste Streams — Determine the different types of waste generated, including recyclable, compostable, and landfill-bound materials.
    • Analyze Waste Data — Use the collected data to identify areas where waste can be reduced or diverted.

2. Develop a Zero-Waste PolicyA zero-waste policy outlines your organization’s commitment to reducing waste and sets clear goals and procedures for achieving that.

    • Waste Reduction Targets — Specific goals for reducing waste over a set period.
    • Strategies for Waste Diversion — Detailed plans for recycling, composting, and reusing materials.
    • Employee Involvement — Guidelines for engaging staff in waste reduction efforts.

3. Engage Leadership and EmployeesAs TRUE advocates , we know that securing the commitment of leadership and involving -employees is crucial for the success of your zero-waste program.

    • Leadership Buy-In — Ensure top management supports the zero-waste goals and policies.
    • Employee Training — Educate employees about zero-waste practices and their role in achieving the goals.
    • Stakeholder Engagement — Involve customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders in your initiatives and build zero-waste purchasing supply lines.

4. Implement Waste Reduction StrategiesPut the developed strategies into action to reduce waste.

    • Redesign Products and Processes — Innovate to eliminate waste at the source.
    • Recycling and Composting — Set up systems to ensure all recyclable and compostable materials are properly managed.
    • Waste Prevention — Focus on preventing waste through careful purchasing and resource use.

5. Track and Report ProgressAs leaders within the waste tracking sector, RTS can offer your business our detailed insights into your waste diversion.

    • Maintain Records — Keep detailed records of waste diversion data.
    • Regular Reporting — Share progress with employees, leadership, and stakeholders.
    • Continuous Improvement — Use the data to identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies as needed.

TRUE Zero Waste Certification offers a measurable way to redesign operations and improve resource efficiency while advancing your sustainability goals.

Integrating TRUE Zero Waste into Business Operations

Integrating TRUE zero-waste principles into your operations is not without its challenges, however, we suggest looking at the following areas to start:
1. Redesign for SustainabilityRedesigning for sustainability involves creating new products or redesigning existing products to use fewer materials, as well as making them easy to recycle or compost. In addition, our clients that have successfully achieved TRUE zero-waste certification suggest looking at ways to streamline processes to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
2. Foster a Culture of SustainabilityBuilding a sustainability culture involves encouraging employees to participate in zero-waste initiatives through employee engagement programs and initiatives. In addition, we advise clients that they should find ways to promote sustainable practices such as reducing paper use and conserving energy.
3. Develop PartnershipsHere at RTS, we have worked to develop partnerships with clients, customers, and suppliers to meet TRUE requirements and push forward our sustainability visions. This can involve things like partnering with suppliers to reduce packaging and promote reusable materials, as well as educating customers about your zero-waste efforts and encouraging their participation.
4. Monitor and AdjustData analysis is a fundamental aspect of TRUE zero-waste certification, and we advise our customers to use data to identify trends and areas for improvement. Feedback sessions can also be used to gather input from employees and stakeholders.

What Are the Benefits of TRUE Zero-Waste Certification?

While the certification process for the TRUE zero-waste program can be demanding, we can speak first hand as to its benefits. They include:1. Environmental ImpactAmong our priorities as a waste management company, we are keen to stress that reducing waste sent to landfills and incineration helps to:

  • Conserve Natural Resources —  Reuse and recycle materials and minimize hazardous waste generation.
  • Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions —  Minimizing waste reduces methane emissions from landfills and other pollutants from incineration.
  • Promote Biodiversity —  Reducing waste helps protect natural habitats and wildlife.

2. Economic BenefitsImplementing zero-waste practices can lead to significant cost savings, something that we work towards by creating greater efficiencies in our operations. We advise that TRUE certification can help:

  • Lower Disposal Costs —  Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and incineration lowers disposal costs.
  • Develop New Income Streams —  Selling recyclable materials or creating products from waste can generate additional income.
  • Ensure Resource Efficiency —  Using materials more efficiently reduces purchasing costs.

3. Public Health and Community BenefitsZero-waste practices can improve public health and benefit the community. Our clients report:

  • Reduced Pollution Levels — Less waste means fewer pollutants in the air, water, and soil.
  • Job Creation —  Recycling and waste diversion programs can create new jobs in the community.
  • Better Public Health —  Reducing waste can lower the risk of disease and improve overall health.
  • Cleaner Working Environments — Cleaner working environments benefit you, your employees, and your customers.

What Are the Benefits of TRUE Zero-Waste Certification?

While the certification process for the TRUE zero-waste program can be demanding, we can speak first hand as to its benefits. They include:

1. Environmental Impact

Among our priorities as a waste management company, we are keen to stress that reducing waste sent to landfills and incineration helps to:

  • Conserve Natural Resources —  Reuse and recycle materials and minimize hazardous waste generation.
  • Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions —  Minimizing waste reduces methane emissions from landfills and other pollutants from incineration.
  • Promote Biodiversity —  Reducing waste helps protect natural habitats and wildlife.

2. Economic Benefits

Implementing zero-waste practices can lead to significant cost savings, something that we work towards by creating greater efficiencies in our operations. We advise that TRUE certification can help:

  • Lower Disposal Costs —  Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and incineration lowers disposal costs.
  • Develop New Income Streams —  Selling recyclable materials or creating products from waste can generate additional income.
  • Ensure Resource Efficiency —  Using materials more efficiently reduces purchasing costs.

3. Public Health and Community Benefits

Zero-waste practices can improve public health and benefit the community. Our clients report:

  • Reduced Pollution Levels — Less waste means fewer pollutants in the air, water, and soil.
  • Job Creation —  Recycling and waste diversion programs can create new jobs in the community.
  • Better Public Health —  Reducing waste can lower the risk of disease and improve overall health.
  • Cleaner Working Environments — Cleaner working environments benefit you, your employees, and your customers.

Conclusion

Working towards TRUE zero-waste certification is a great way to wear your sustainability credentials on your sleeve. However, for organizations that are serious about sustainability, it also offers a robust framework for you to measure and improve operations, initiatives, products and services.

For more information on how RTS can help your business work through the TRUE certification program from our own experiences and commitment to sustainable waste management, contact us today.

Download our TRUE Zero-Waste Certification guide.

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