Turning zero waste goals into action
TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) is a zero waste certification program used by buildings, businesses, and communities to define, pursue, and achieve their zero waste goals, driving the development of circular materials management infrastructure, behavior, and best practices worldwide.
TRUE aims to help address critical environmental impacts by driving widespread implementation of zero waste solutions that enable healthier, greener, and more socially responsible systems and communities. The TRUE rating system provides a framework for facilities and businesses to help identify and implement waste reduction and diversion practices to achieve zero waste.
The future of waste reduction is here
For over a decade, TRUE has been the trusted standard for organizations serious about waste reduction. Now, TRUE v2 takes everything we've learned from certifying facilities worldwide and makes the path to leadership clearer, faster, and more valuable than ever.
Improved guidance
Easily quantify contributions to decarbonization goals with credit weighting based on sustainability impact and project impact reports.
Technology-enabled certification
Use Arc for registration, application, workflow review, project dashboards, and automated notifications.
Global accessibility
Easily apply TRUE to international projects with consolidated credit categories, clearer documentation requirements, and expanded international applicability across all criteria.
Go from talking about zero waste to proving it
TRUE certification delivers measurable outcomes across your organization—from cost savings and ESG positioning to employee engagement and community impact.
The TRUE advantage
TRUE certification signals operational excellence and commitment beyond minimum standards, holding up to ESG reporting and investor scrutiny, avoiding greenwashing risk, and increasing environmental impact.
Future-proof
Transparent
Credible
Invested
The financial impacts of TRUE
Analysis of financial and ESG outcomes across 3 years of TRUE-certified facilities
$3.1M
Average annual savings
Reported across certified facilities through reduced hauling, disposal and material purchasing costs.
94%
Average diversion rate
TRUE certified spaces divert nearly all of their waste from landfill, incineration and the environment.
2.5x
Return on investment
Financial return generated for every dollar invested in a zero waste program within the first three years.
41%
Waste cost reduction
Average decrease in waste hauling and disposal fees for certified facilities
Available TRUE versions
Both versions deliver rigorous zero waste certification. Choose based on your organization's goals.
TRUE v2
Scale your impact with the next gen of zero waste certification.
- Expanded credit flexibility
- Automated workflows
- Internationally applicable
- Increased reward for higher impact actions
TRUE v1
The established framework that launched zero waste certification.
- Limited credit flexibility
- Manual workflow
- U.S.-centric language
- All actions weighted equally
Interested in becoming a TRUE Advisor?
Learn the requirements of the rating system, help projects achieve TRUE certification and commit to advancing zero waste values and policies. As the resident expert at your company, you’ll support and implement zero waste programs and lead facilities through the certification process.
How TRUE works
From eligibility to certification, map your journey towards zero waste.
1
Check eligibility
Confirm your facility meets the TRUE prerequisites.
2
Register your project
Set up your project and team in Arc.
3
Build your program
Track diversion and implement zero waste practices.
4
Submit for review
Upload documentation for third-party verification.
5
Get certified
Earn your TRUE certification and share the results.
The world's most environmentally responsible, resource efficient buildings use TRUE
TRUE certified spaces save money, cut greenhouse gases, manage risk, reduce litter and pollution, reinvest resources locally, create jobs and add more value for their company and community.
SON ESTRELLA GALICIA POSIDONIA 2025
Padmini VNA Mechatronics Ltd
Beijing Kerry Center Office Tower
Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands
Join the USGBC membership community
Take advantage of discounts for USGBC programs, including TRUE and LEED registration and certification, plus access to technical guidance and local chapters.