Feature image: The TRUE Platinum Instalaciones de Sabón - Inditex inmA Coruña, Spain. Photo credit: Emelio Montero.
The Zero Waste Blueprint: How LEED and TRUE Are Closing the Loop on Waste examines one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: the global waste crisis. This report explores how USGBC and GBCI's certification programs transform buildings, cities and communities from waste generators into resource regenerators, advancing the transition to a circular economy through proven strategies and measurable outcomes, and inspiring examples of leadership worldwide.
TRUE is a potent tool in reducing organizational and facility-wide waste, driving not just waste reduction, but in many cases decreased costs and emissions. Below is a snapshot of some of the key statistics and impacts of the TRUE program that are detailed in the Zero Waste Blueprint report, as well as ways that TRUE can support your own sustainability and waste goals.
Turning waste diversion into financial wins
TRUE isn’t just about doing good for the planet; it’s also about smart business. TRUE projects deliver real savings and new revenue streams. Across 20 measured projects, financial impacts included
- Disposal costs dropping by 15%, saving a total of $544,000.
- Waste bills decreasing from $3.67 million to $3.13 million.
- Recycling revenue jumping by 31%, with projects earning an extra $435,712 by selling materials they’d once discarded.
TRUE’s environmental impact
The TRUE community is showing what’s possible when we work together to tackle waste. TRUE-certified projects have already diverted an estimated 8.8 million tons of waste from landfill and incinerators. That’s prevented roughly 7 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions. To put that into perspective, it’s equivalent to
- The carbon absorption of 116 million tree seedlings grown for a decade.
- The electricity use of 1.46 million homes for a year.
TRUE’s framework: Raising the bar and driving systemic change
TRUE sets a high standard for sustainable waste management, but it’s about more than just numbers. Here’s how TRUE stands apart:
- A holistic approach: TRUE looks at every step, from procurement to disposal.
- A tough-yet-achievable standard: Projects must divert at least 90% of their waste and can’t count waste-to-energy incineration.
- Built-in credibility: Every project is verified by a third party, with transparent reporting.
- Clarity and accessibility: TRUE’s credits, requirements and tools are easy to find and use.
- Scalable for your needs: Whether you run a facility, event or construction site, certification is streamlined to fit.
- Professional support: With specialized training and the TRUE Advisor credential, you get the expertise needed to make zero waste a reality.
Building a competitive edge
Pursuing zero waste is a smart move for your business. Certified organizations consistently report stronger brand reputation and enhanced competitiveness. As part of USGBC and GBCI’s suite of offerings, TRUE complements programs such as LEED and PERFORM to help projects reach their goals no matter their size or scope.
“LEED and TRUE have played a pivotal role in raising the bar for waste management and circularity in the built environment by setting measurable standards and incentivizing best practices,” explains Sarah Zaleski, chief products officer at USGBC. “TRUE takes this further by certifying facilities that achieve zero waste goals, promoting systemic changes like redesigning material flows, engaging occupants, and tracking diversion rates of 90% or more. Together, these programs have elevated awareness and accountability around material efficiency and circularity.”
Read the report to see how TRUE and other certification products can support your business and sustainability goals.