PEP Hosts February 2022 Virtual Lunch and Learn

February 2022 Virtual Lunch and Learn – TRUE Certification Program

PEP hosted our Virtual Lunch and Learn on February 18, 2021. Susie Westrup Vincent, Director of Client Solutions, U. S. Green Building Council, discussed the TRUE certification program – Total Resource Use & Efficiency, a zero-waste program. The TRUE certification program enables facilities to define, pursue and achieve their zero waste goals, cutting their carbon footprint and supporting public health.

Certification is available for any physical facility and its operations, including buildings owned by: businesses, property managers, schools, government agencies and nonprofits. A TRUE project’s goal is to divert all solid waste from the landfill, incineration (waste-to-energy) and the environment. Facilities achieve certification by meeting seven minimum program requirements and attaining at least 31 points on the TRUE Application form available on the Resources page.

Individuals can earn the TRUE Advisor certificate to showcase your commitment to preserving and improving the environment; that you possess the knowledge necessary to divert and document unnecessary waste from landfills, incineration (waste-to-energy) and the environment; and a willingness to assist others in achieving zero waste operations.be recognized as a zero waste professional trained on the TRUE Rating System. TRUE Advisors understand the requirements of the rating system, help projects achieve TRUE certification and are committed to advancing zero waste values and policies. As a TRUE Advisor, you’ll be the resident expert at your company in supporting and implementing zero waste programs and leading facilities through the certification process.

Susie provided her Powerpoint slides which can be downloaded at this link. She also provided the following links and resources:

1. Register for our TRUE Advisor professional credential, and get $100 off using the promo code TRUEBD100 at registration. Additionally, here’s a link to the TRUE Advisor Certificate Handbook. We’re offering a TRUE Study Group which starts March 2^nd. This is meant to keep those registered for the TRUE Advisor on track to finish the program in 5 weeks with a cohort of others and with support from TRUE staff.
2. If you’d like to pilot TRUE certification with your office, utilize the TRUE Certification Planning Tool (attached) and TRUE Rating System, to determine if you have enough credits to pursue certification, or if you should start with precertification.
3. If you choose to do pursue precertification first, as an optional incremental step for sites not at 90% diversion, here is our TRUE Precertification Guide, and the sample Precertification application is also attached – reference the first and last tabs.
4. If you’re ready to pursue TRUE certification, please review the Guide to TRUE Certification and the sample Certification application attached. Certification fees are based on Square Footage and can be found here.

Susan can be reached at swestrup@usgbc.org or (704) 222-0313. www.usgbc.org or true.gbci.org

Save the date for these upcoming PEP events!

March 17, 2022 Membership Breakfast

May 6, 2022 Golf Tournament