TRUE Certification For Events

TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) certification is a comprehensive waste reduction and zero waste certification program that has gained significant traction in recent years. While the program was initially designed for facilities, it has since expanded to include events, and this article will provide an overview of TRUE certification for events.

Certification Scope
An event is defined as a public or private organized gathering of people at a predetermined time and place, including conferences, festivals, entertainment, or sporting events. The physical project boundary for TRUE certification is defined as the boundary of all event activities and operations within a site. Aspects of the event occurring in separate physical locations may be included in the certification scope and total square footage, according to the same boundary definition.

Certification Process
The certification process for events is the same as outlined for facilities in the TRUE Rating System and process section of the Guide to Certification, with some key differences outlined below.

Registration
The fees for certifying an event differ from the fee structure for facilities. Registration must be complete, all registration and certification fees paid, and a completed application and documentation received by GBCI before the review can begin.

Application & Review
The application and documentation will be submitted after the event has occurred. Applications must be received within 3 months of the event. The review timelines are the same as for a standard TRUE project. Recurring events receiving multiple certifications are subject to a different review process. The minimum and maximum points and certification level point ranges have been adjusted, as not all credits are applied to events. Certification is awarded for a one-time occurrence of an event. If an event occurs on a recurring schedule and certification is desired for each recurring event, then the event must register and submit for certification each time the event occurs. In such cases, repeat events may get subsequent events certified again using a streamlined review process, without resubmitting some of the initial documentation.

Post-certification
Events are not subject to annual certification maintenance requirements post-event, as they are one-time occurrences. The required case study may be submitted just once for repeat events.

Waste Diversion
All those seeking certification must provide waste diversion calculations. The diversion rate should represent all activities within the project boundaries and include all materials generated within that boundary. Diversion should be calculated by weight in kg. Materials diverted from landfill, incineration (WTE), and the environment divided by Total Generation.

Acceptable Forms of Diversion
The following activities are all considered acceptable forms of diversion and may be included in the diversion calculations:

Reduction: efforts to reduce the generation of materials can be recognized in the diversion calculations provided that the reductions are documented from an established baseline representing previous operations.
Reuse: avoided disposal resulting from the reuse of items.
Composting: organic matter decomposed by micro-organisms into a soil amendment.
Recycling: materials converted into manufacturing feedstock material and used in creation of new products (excludes use as fuel substitute or for energy production).
Anaerobic digestion: organic matter broken down by microorganisms into a soil amendment in the absence of oxygen (byproducts must be recovered for productive use in nature).
Other processing technologies, not including incineration or waste-to-energy, in which the end product is recovered for productive use in nature or the economy.

In conclusion, TRUE certification is an excellent way for events to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and zero waste. The certification process is similar to that of facilities, with some key differences outlined in the TRUE Technical Guide for Events. Waste diversion is a critical component of the certification process, and there are many acceptable forms of diversion that can be included in the calculations. By achieving TRUE certification, events can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and inspire others to follow suit.