Feature image: The TRUE-certified 555 California Street project in San Francisco. Photo credit: Vornado Realty Trust.
Throughout 2025, zero waste and circularity took center stage in business strategy. As organizations worldwide navigated rising costs and an uncertain global landscape, operational efficiency and material optimization became business imperatives. The value of zero waste practices, driven by both sustainability commitments and financial necessity, is evident in the significant milestones achieved by the TRUE community.
TRUE’s growth and impact
The momentum behind TRUE is reflected in its steadily increasing adoption over the years:
- More than 1,000 registrations have been completed as organizations seek effective frameworks for their zero waste journeys.
- Nearly 100 precertifications have been achieved, allowing organizations to publicly demonstrate progress as they advance toward full certification.
- Cumulative certifications now exceed 600, spanning a diverse range of geographies, industries and scales—a testament to the versatility and impact of the TRUE rating system.
- The network of TRUE Advisors has surpassed 3,500, providing the world with a robust network of qualified zero waste professionals to catalyze change on the ground.
This global momentum is matched by practical, measurable business results. According to the newly released "Zero Waste Blueprint" report, TRUE projects are not only “doing good”—they're thriving!
- Across 20 tracked projects, disposal costs dropped by 15%, resulting in total savings of $544,000.
- Combined waste bills shrank from $3.67 million to $3.13 million.
- Recycling revenue surged by 31%—turning materials that were once liabilities into assets.
Leading projects with global impact
TRUE’s reach is global and cross-industry, with stand-out projects leading the way in 2025:
- 555 California Street—Vornado Realty Trust, San Francisco, California: This landmark skyscraper achieved TRUE certification for its holistic approach to waste management, diverting over 90% of waste from landfill and engaging tenants through comprehensive recycling and composting programs.
- SON Estrella Galicia Posidonia, Formentera, Spain: This innovative music festival demonstrated zero waste in action, eliminating single-use plastics, partnering with local suppliers for reusable materials and designing festival experiences around the circular economy.
- The Brickyard, Los Angeles: A creative office campus transformed its operations by introducing streamlined material flows, championing employee education and repurposing construction materials within its vibrant tenant community.
- Embassy of Canada to the Netherlands, the Hague, the Netherlands: A trailblazer in sustainable diplomacy, the embassy achieved TRUE certification by implementing on-site composting, donating excess materials and embedding circularity in its procurement policies.
- Bob’s Red Mill World Headquarters and Distribution Center, Milwaukie, Oregon: This widely recognized whole foods brand met TRUE’s high standards by rigorously separating materials, reusing packaging, sending zero food waste to landfill and innovating with supplier take-back schemes.
Each of these projects demonstrates how TRUE can be tailored to fit the unique needs of any organization, large or small, local or global. Explore additional TRUE projects in the directory.
Setting the stage for 2026
As momentum continues to build, 2026 will usher in a new era for TRUE. In early 2026, the draft of the next-generation rating system, TRUE v2, will be released for public feedback.
TRUE users—those driving change on the ground—will have their first chance to engage through the inaugural public comment period. Your insight will be vital to ensuring the updated rating system responds to emerging needs, addresses persistent challenges and elevates user experience and program integrity for years to come.
The new year promises to be a landmark year for zero waste innovation and leadership. Be among the first to influence the direction of TRUE v2—sign up for updates to get notified when the draft rating system becomes available, and help shape a future where every material counts.