Companies Being TRUE to Zero Waste
As climate change becomes accepted and net zero commitments more common, companies are beginning to implement plans to reduce waste. We are already seeing higher renewables demand in certain regions. Transitioning to a circular economy will be a challenge for business’ and will require rethinking traditional views on our trash. Helping facilities quantify performance and transform old assumptions into sustainable practices is what the management team at TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) is doing.
As the first zero waste certification program, TRUE is devoted to improving, measuring, and recognizing zero waste performance while finding additional ways to improve progress for physical facilities including: businesses, schools, government agencies, property managers, and nonprofits. The certification program will help make the process easier for companies to achieve the zero-waste goal. Originally created by the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council in 2013, the management and evolution of the certification program would be done by the GCBI (Green Business Certification Inc.) in 2016. Successfully diverting close to 1.5 million tons of waste from the landfills in the last three years, TRUE’s projects saved an estimated $83,000,000. TRUE is not only helping companies divert waste rates but, they are turning waste into additional savings and income.
Becoming TRUE certified a company or project must attain on average a 90% diversion rate from incineration (waste to energy), landfill, and environmental non-hazardous solid waste for twelve months. With 90% of solid waste being recycled, reduced, reused, composted, or put back into productive use, companies can earn the certification through a minimum of seven requirements based on a point system. Transitioning to the certification may seem overwhelming for some and TRUE now offers a precertification. The precertification is optional and available for all projects. The precertification prioritizes core actions essential in the path to zero waste certification.
Georgia’s own Mercedes-Benz Stadium has achieved the Platinum Certification with a 90.2% overall diversion achievement. The State Farm Arena in Atlanta received the first in the world sporting event recognition. During the 2021 NBA playoffs game 4, the Hawks played the NY Knicks and received the Silver Level Certification with a 91.9% diversion rate achievement. Facilities and companies all over the world are becoming TRUE certified. With over 93% of U.S. companies acknowledging the material risks posed form climate change and 92% of those with boards formally charged with overseeing climate change, sustainability is being prioritized. A few companies leading the charge are Subaru, Microsoft, Toyota, Google, Procter & Gamble, and General Motors.
While net zero provides a goal, it does not provide a path to achievement. TRUE is helping to offer a path towards the abatement of climate risk for owners without disruption to term returns while adding reputational benefits. Last year Forbes reported consumers across all generations are willing to spend more for sustainable products. By 2030, Gen Z will represent 27% of the world’s income surpassing Millennials by 2031. With Gen Z and Alpha being born into climate change escalation, the support of brands that align with their values and causes will influence sustainability in business. TRUE certification can help create a circular economy and be the new normal with a zero-waste clean environment.
