Zero Waste Certification Guide

In a world striving for sustainability, companies are adopting innovative practices to reduce their environmental impact. Environmental labels are emerging to reward and encourage these efforts by certifying those committed to minimizing waste through reuse and recycling, while avoiding incineration and landfill. These certifications not only measure immediate actions but also incentivize efficient and sustainable resource management, employee education, and increasingly ambitious initiatives.

Discover how these labels are transforming business practices for a greener future.

The TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) certification is an environmental label issued by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), aiming to revolutionize resource management to achieve zero waste. This certification encourages companies to adopt sustainable practices that transform how materials are used and circulate within society.

Objectives of TRUE certification:

• Supporting public health and ecosystems: By reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices, businesses can lessen their impact on public health and ecosystems.
• Reducing the ecological footprint of businesses: TRUE encourages businesses to minimize their ecological footprint by optimizing resource use.
• Advancing a green economy: By adopting zero-waste practices, businesses contribute to the growth of a greener and more sustainable economy.

To obtain TRUE certification, companies must accumulate points in different categories, for a total of 81 points. Here are the main categories and their associated requirements:

• Reduce: Minimize waste production at the source.
• Reuse: Find innovative ways to reuse materials.
• Zero Waste Reporting: Implement systems to track and report on zero waste initiatives.
• Leadership: Encourage company leaders to promote and support zero waste practices.
• Innovate: Adopt creative and innovative solutions to reduce waste.

Companies must obtain a minimum of 31 points to be certified. Certification levels vary depending on the number of points obtained:

• Silver: 38-45 points
• Gold: 46-63 points
• Platinum: 64-81 points

These levels recognize the progressive commitment of companies to waste management and encourage them to aim for ever more ambitious goals.

• Innovation in waste reduction: A company could develop new technologies to reduce waste production at the source.
• Accurate reporting: Implement detailed tracking systems to measure progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Committed leadership: Train and involve company leaders to actively support zero-waste initiatives.

Want to learn more and get started? Discover the TRUE rating system: https://true.gbci.org/sites/default/files/resources/Current-Rating-System-December-2023.pdf