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TRUE Rating System - English
The rating system outlines certification requirements and credits in detail, and includes important program information.
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.
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.
TRUE Rating System - Chinese
The rating system outlines certification requirements and credits in detail, and includes important program information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Guide to TRUE Certification
Overview of the TRUE certification process, including eligibility and fees.
TRUE Certification Maintenance and Recertification Guidance
Overview of information and policies to maintain TRUE certification and the process to pursue recertification.
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.
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.
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.
TRUE Program One Pager
Outlines the concept behind zero waste and the benefits of TRUE certification for Zero Waste.
TRUE Precertification Guidance
Guidance outlining the requirements and process for projects to achieve TRUE precertification.
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.
TRUE Portfolio One-Pager
An overview of the eligibility requirements and process for multiple buildings pursuing TRUE certification via the TRUE Portfolio Program.
Technical Guide for Events Certification
Overview of the TRUE for Events certification process, including eligibility and fees (PDF).
Advancing the UN SDGs through TRUE
A guide to implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals using TRUE Certification for Zero Waste.
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.
On-demand TRUE education
Access courses and recorded events on the USGBC course catalog to learn more about TRUE and earn CE hours.
TRUE Home Zero Waste Audit
Conduct an at-home review and empower your household to make decisions for a more efficient waste stream.
TRUE PR Guidelines
Spread the word about your TRUE certification or TRUE Advisor certificate through social media messaging and press release language.
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.