TRUE - A New Rating System Administered by GBCI

Posted by: NSchepis // Student at Bridgewater State

Green Business Certification Inc. (GCBI) recently introduced its new brand identity for its zero waste rating system known as TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency). The TRUE Zero Waste certification was previously administered by the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council. The certification was acquired by GBCI in 2016. TRUE complements the LEED green building rating system by helping businesses and facilities define their zero waste goals and pursue them. This is achieved through project certifications. Organizations are able to understand how materials flow through their facilities, this helps them identify redesign opportunities to ensure that all products are reused. TRUE- certified projects must meet a minimum of 90 percent waste diversion. Waste diversion also known as landfill diversion is the process of diverting waste from landfills. The success of which is measured by comparing the landfill from one year to the next. The adoption of such green practices at all all levels impacts the release of greenhouse gases and the closed loop on waste that is created helps businesses become more resource efficient and uncover new streams of revenue. There are 88 TRUE-certified facilities around the world, owned by companies including Microsoft, Tesla, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Nature’s Path, Earth Friendly Products, Raytheon, and Cintas and Northrop Grumman. Companies like these that are leaders in sustainability are always trying to understand and track how materials flow through their facilities. They want to redesign products to waste the least amount of material or reach zero waste. The TRUE rating system helps businesses measure performance and find ways to move toward zero waste, by setting benchmarks and educating employees. Green Business Certification Inc. (GCBI), formally known as the Green Building Certification Institute administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates within the framework of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and has technical experts that ensure the building certification process meets the highest levels of quality and integrity. LEED is the Building Rating System of the U.S. Green Building Council.