On June 14, the Emerging Professionals of the USGBC Georgia community hosted a Lunch and Learn event for groups of individuals who were interested in learning more about the new TRUE Zero Waste credential and facility certification and who wanted a chance to tour the remarkable Atlanta CHaRM facility (The Center for Hard to Reycle Materials).
The Lunch and Learn gave professionals the opportunity to learn about TRUE certification from USGBC Georgia Director Shelby Buso and community members who have firsthand experience with the zero waste standard. Laurene Hamilton, Recycling Analyst at Cox Enterprises, provided an overview of Cox’s experience with TRUE certification and about the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s location, which was the first facility to become certified in Georgia.
Then, Bruce Battle, from Burton Energy Group, spoke about his experience as a TRUE Advisor, an individual who has been trained as a zero waste professional through the TRUE zero waste rating system. He discussed reasons to consider the program and what the role as a TRUE Advisor entails. Hearing from two separate people who covered different parts of the TRUE certification helped to round out the experience and give the audience insight into the program.
After the presenters spoke, the real conversation began as individuals asked numerous questions that sparked discussion throughout the room. Whether one person was coming to learn more solely as an individual or it was a group that was intrigued about the program regarding an entire business, multiple perspectives created a robust conversation.
Following the conversation about TRUE certification, everyone headed out the door behind Peggy Ratcliffe to tour the CHaRM facility. CHaRM is a permanent drop-off facility providing multiple avenues for difficult materials to recycle, and they aim to improve our environmental health surrounding the Metro Atlanta area. The event was a great chance for a group of people to come together to learn more about TRUE certification and to explore the CHaRM facility.
Subscribe to the newsletter to join Emerging Professionals at their next event