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TRUE Rating System - English

The rating system outlines certification requirements and credits in detail, and includes important program information.

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TRUE v1 Addenda Table

This table outlines all official updates that incorporate changes and improvements to the TRUE Rating System and other published guidance documents to help clarify, correct, interpret, or provide alternative language. The TRUE Addenda should be referenced in conjunction with the TRUE Rating System and other published guidance documents.

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TRUE Rating System Addenda Redline

This resource is a modified copy of the TRUE Rating System that reflects changes made through the TRUE v1 Addenda and is updated annually.

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TRUE Rating System - Chinese

The rating system outlines certification requirements and credits in detail, and includes important program information.

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TRUE Pilot Credit 1: TRUE Advisor

Pilot Credit 1 intends to gain the understanding of zero waste that is required by a TRUE project and to facilitate the application preparation process for certification.

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TRUE Pilot Credit 2: Safety First

Pilot Credit 2 aims to understand and eliminate adverse health impacts on personnel associated with solid waste management activities at the facility seeking certification and to promote their health and safety.

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TRUE Innovation Catalog

Find innovative strategies projects may utilize or reference as inspiration to achieve TRUE Innovation credits. Actions represent innovation credits from previous versions of the Rating System as well as historically accepted innovation strategies.

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TRUE Certification Sample Application

Provides a fictitious sample certification application form. The sample narratives should not be copied or reproduced in any way but rather used as a guide.

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TRUE Precertification Sample Application

Provides a fictitious sample precertification application form. The sample narratives should not be copied or reproduced in any way but rather used as a guide.

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TRUE Sample Resources Page

Contains all TRUE sample documents including the TRUE Certification and Precertification Sample Applications and examples of General Project Information submittal documentation.

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Guide to TRUE Certification

Overview of the TRUE certification process, including eligibility and fees.

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TRUE Certification Maintenance and Recertification Guidance

Overview of information and policies to maintain TRUE certification and the process to pursue recertification.

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TRUE Diversion Data Additional Guidance

Guidance for meeting diversion reporting requirements with the TRUE Rating System; covers materials for diversion calculations, permissible methods for diversion, and instructions for collecting and organizing diversion data.

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TRUE Certification Planning Tool

Can be used by facilities preparing for TRUE certification to estimate point totals, conduct a credit gap analysis and start planning next steps.

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TRUE Application form

To obtain TRUE precertification, certification, or recertification, you need to submit a completed application, which allows you to provide the required narratives and credit information, as well as any diversion data. The form provides a score of the total attempted points.

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TRUE Program One Pager

Outlines the concept behind zero waste and the benefits of TRUE certification for Zero Waste.

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TRUE Precertification Guidance

Guidance outlining the requirements and process for projects to achieve TRUE precertification.

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TRUE Portfolio Guide

Guidance for organizations that would like to pursue TRUE certification for multiple projects in their portfolio using a more streamlined certification process. Outlines eligibility, requirements, detailed process steps, and how to prepare.

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TRUE Portfolio One-Pager

An overview of the eligibility requirements and process for multiple buildings pursuing TRUE certification via the TRUE Portfolio Program.

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Technical Guide for Events Certification

Overview of the TRUE for Events certification process, including eligibility and fees (PDF).

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TRUE for Construction Projects Pilot Guidance

Overview of the TRUE for Construction Projects Pilot Guidance, including eligibility; resources to get started; frequently asked questions; and updates on the pilot guidance and participation.

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TRUE Advisor Certificate Program Handbook

A comprehensive curriculum for those who want to be trained on the TRUE Rating System and learn about zero waste policies and programs.

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Advancing the UN SDGs through TRUE

A guide to implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals using TRUE Certification for Zero Waste.

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Waste, Health and Environmental Justice

This report examines how circular economy and zero waste strategies can alleviate burdens faced due to mismanaged waste today and in the future.

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On-demand TRUE education

Access courses and recorded events on the USGBC course catalog to learn more about TRUE and earn CE hours.

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TRUE Program Updates Training Series

A series of short training videos that address TRUE program updates, the quarterly addenda process, the portfolio program, and more.

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TRUE Home Zero Waste Audit

Conduct an at-home review and empower your household to make decisions for a more efficient waste stream.

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TRUE PR Guidelines

Spread the word about your TRUE certification or TRUE Advisor certificate through social media messaging and press release language.

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Zero Waste Curriculum Toolkit

A curated list of resources and processes to aid in teaching about and engaging students in the concepts of zero waste.

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GBCI Trademark Guidelines

These guidelines cover how to use GBCI's brand assets consistently and correctly. It explores proper uses and misuses of all trademarks and logos owned by GBCI, including TRUE.

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