Are you preparing an event that you want to be zero waste, but you're not sure where to start? Planning an innovative zero waste construction project and not sure how to get recognized for those efforts? TRUE certification can help.
TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) is a leadership standard that helps buildings and communities define, pursue and achieve their zero waste goals, driving the development of circular materials management infrastructure, behavior and best practices worldwide.
While the original TRUE rating system is designed for permanent facilities with ongoing operations, community demand for additional zero waste frameworks has grown rapidly. Over the past three years, TRUE has developed adaptations to support these needs. Today, TRUE is proud to offer the TRUE "Guide for Events," launched in 2021, and the newly launched "TRUE Guidance for Construction Projects." Thoughtfully piloted by several projects over the past year, this final version was developed based on feedback from TRUE construction project team members and those working in the public sector, as well as contractors, building owners and others.
Like all TRUE initiatives, this adaptation will continue to evolve based on user feedback. Here are some examples of the fantastic construction projects and events that have engaged with TRUE so far.
TRUE for Construction
TRUE Gold Contra Costa County Administration Building B and Plaza in Martinez, California
The TRUE Gold Contra Costa County Administration Building B and Plaza, the first government building to achieve TRUE Construction certification, was made possible by Contra Costa County, All About Waste, Webcor, Vanir and Perkins&Will. During construction, 15,000 tons of waste was diverted from landfills, incineration and the environment. Reusing salvaged material from the demolished building, training at the jobsite and collaborating with suppliers led this project to divert 95% of its potential waste, reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions by 8,500 metric tons—equivalent to the annual emissions of 1,800 gasoline-powered cars.
Photo courtesy of Kyle Jeffers.
TRUE Gold Genesis Marina in Brisbane, California
Webcor and All About Waste partnered on the first TRUE for Construction project in the world, the TRUE Gold Genesis Marina, achieving a 98.4% diversion rate from landfill, incineration and the environment. Their most impactful strategies included source reduction through reusable items and hydration stations, robust waste separation with bilingual signage and centralized collection points, and extensive education programs integrated into daily safety training. Located on a former landfill, this project shows what the future of waste diversion can look like.
Photo courtesy of MultiVista.
TRUE for Events
TRUE Silver State Farm Arena: NBA Hawks 2021 Round 1 Playoffs Game 4 in Atlanta, Georgia
The TRUE Platinum State Farm Arena first committed to zero waste by achieving TRUE Silver certification for Game 4 of the 2021 Hawks–Knicks playoff series—the first sporting event worldwide to earn this distinction. Through sustainable sourcing, community engagement, a large staff of volunteers and meticulous planning, the arena repurposed 600 pounds of zip ties, avoided 165 pounds of paper waste through digital ticketing, and composted 7,756 pounds of service ware. The sold-out game, with 16,458 fans in attendance, was able to divert 91.9% of waste.
Photo courtesy of State Farm Arena.
TRUE Platinum SON Estrella Galicia Posidonia in Formentera, Balearic Islands, Spain
Launched in 2017, the TRUE Platinum SON Estrella Galicia Posidonia, a unique music festival, blends music and environmentalism, focusing on preserving Formentera's prized Posidonia seagrass, which acts as a vital carbon sink in the Mediterranean. The festival minimizes its impact through a thoughtfully reduced scale, partnerships with local experts and prioritizing local resources to foster a circular economy. Initiatives like using reusable tableware, sourcing local catering and minimizing food waste provide attendees with the ability to thoughtfully engage with and protect Formentera’s ecosystem.
Photo courtesy of Estrella Galicia.
Want to get started with an event or construction project of your own?
Check out the newly published TRUE Guidance for Construction Projects or the Technical Guidance for Events certification guide, both located on the TRUE Resources Page, to get familiar with the adaptations. Reach out to us with any questions.