TRUE certified spaces are environmentally responsible, more resource efficient and help turn waste into savings and additional income streams. By closing the loop, they cut greenhouse gases, manage risk, reduce litter and pollution, reinvest resources locally, create jobs and add more value for their company and community.

Eligibility
Certification is available for any physical facility and their operations, including buildings owned by businesses, property managers, schools, government agencies, and nonprofits.

How TRUE works
A TRUE project's goal is to divert all solid waste from the landfill, incineration (waste-to-energy) and the environment. Facilities achieve certification by meeting seven minimum program requirements and attaining at least 31 points on the TRUE Zero Waste Application form available on the Resources page.

The TRUE Zero Waste certification program is an Assessor-based program that rates how well facilities perform in minimizing their non-hazardous, solid wastes and maximizing their efficiency in the use of resources. 

Our mission is to educate, inform and document the performance of zero waste businesses and facilities using scientific methods to help businesses and communities become more healthy and sustainable.

The TRUE Zero Waste certification system enables facilities to define, pursue and achieve their zero waste goals, cutting their carbon footprint and supporting public health. The rating system is administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).

GBCI assumes responsibility for the ongoing management and evolution of the  TRUE certification, the TRUE Advisor credential, and all other program offerings. GBCI is also the certification body for the U.S. Green Building Council’s global LEED green building rating system, as well as the PEER standard for power systems, the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES) for land development, the WELL building standard, EDGE, Parksmart, Investor Confidence Project (ICP) and GRESB.