Closing the Gap: Achieving TRUE Certification Through Gap Analysis
Gap analysis is an essential tool for organizations seeking TRUE certification. It allows organizations to identify areas where they fall short of TRUE certification requirements and develop strategies to improve their waste management practices. In this article, we will discuss the gap analysis process for TRUE certification and how it can help organizations achieve certification.
The gap analysis process will answer the following questions:
- Do you have a waste management program in place but do not collect data?
- Do you have an opportunity to implement a new waste management program?
- Do you have a waste management program in place, but the data is not complete/accurate?
- Do you have a waste management program in place that you did not previously know about?
Step 1: Identify the Requirements
The first step in conducting a gap analysis for TRUE certification is to identify the certification requirements. These requirements can be found in the TRUE Rating System document, which outlines the minimum program requirements for TRUE certification. By identifying the requirements, organizations can determine which areas they need to focus on to achieve certification.
Step 2: Conduct an Assessment
The next step in the gap analysis process is to conduct an assessment of the organization’s current waste management practices. This assessment should include an analysis of waste generation, diversion, and disposal practices. It should also consider the organization’s compliance with applicable waste management regulations and its overall sustainability goals.
Step 3: Identify Gaps
After conducting the assessment, the organization should identify gaps between its current waste management practices and the TRUE certification requirements. These gaps may include a lack of recycling or composting programs, inadequate hazardous waste management practices, incomplete or inaccurate waste diversion data, or programs that were previously unknown. It is important to identify these gaps to determine the organization’s current level of compliance with TRUE certification requirements.
Step 4: Develop an Action Plan
Once the gaps have been identified, the organization should develop an action plan to address them. This plan should include specific actions, timelines, and responsible parties for each gap identified. The action plan should also consider the organization’s available resources, such as staff time and budget, and prioritize the most critical gaps.
Step 5: Implement the Plan
The final step in the gap analysis process is to implement the action plan. This may involve training staff on new waste management practices, implementing new recycling or composting programs, updating data collection and documentation processes, or discovering and implementing previously unknown waste management programs. It is essential to monitor progress and adjust the action plan as needed to ensure that the organization achieves compliance with TRUE certification requirements.
In conclusion, gap analysis is a valuable tool for organizations seeking TRUE certification. By identifying gaps in waste management practices, organizations can develop action plans to improve their waste management practices and achieve TRUE certification. The gap analysis process should be an ongoing effort, with regular assessments to ensure continued compliance with TRUE certification requirements. By implementing the strategies developed through gap analysis, organizations can become leaders in sustainable waste management practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.