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TRUE Advisor Certificate

Become a TRUE trained professional

Get 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.

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.

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About the program

Overview

The certificate program provides a comprehensive curriculum for the individual who wants to learn about zero waste policies and programs, and help projects participating in TRUE certification. TRUE Advisor certificate holders have a practical understanding of the most current zero waste business principles, and they demonstrate a clear commitment to professional growth in advancing TRUE values. After successful completion, a TRUE Advisor will help prepare businesses for TRUE certification and assists organizations through the certification process.

Eligibility

There are no eligibility requirements to participate in the program. Individuals must complete the online course and pass the assessment within 180 days of registration in order to earn the TRUE Advisor certificate. Individuals who successfully complete the TRUE Advisor certificate program will earn 7.5 CE hours.

Who should apply
  • Related-industry practitioners, such as LEED Green Associates, LEED AP with specialty credential holders, waste consultants, property managers, facility managers, sustainability managers, and business owners
  • Emerging professionals and students who enter the market and help train their future employers on how to implement and achieve zero waste
  • Service providers: Waste, recycling and composting companies; food service providers; waste tracking and billing management companies, packaging providers
  • Purchasing agents, human resource and accounting/management professionals

Fees


$450 USD ($350 USD for USGBC members)

This fee includes access to the following for a 180-day period:

  • 12 online narrated modules
  • Downloadable resources and guided notes to reinforce learning and that can be referenced in the future
  • 75-question, end-of-course exam

Download the TRUE Advisor Certificate Program Handbook
Any questions? Explore our TRUE Advisor FAQs.


TRUE Advisor learning outcomes

The TRUE Advisor certificate demonstrates that an individual possesses basic knowledge of zero waste terminology, tools, technologies, and implementation strategies to assist in the TRUE certification process in accordance with the TRUE Rating System. Below is a list of the TRUE Advisor course topics and corresponding learning outcomes.

Overview of Zero Waste and a Zero Waste Facility
  • Describe the definition of zero waste.
  • Identify key components of a zero waste economy.
  • Cite the characteristics of a zero waste facility.
  • Identify the general process and requirements needed for achieving zero waste.

TRUE Certification and the Role of the TRUE Advisor
  • Describe the TRUE Certification program.
  • Explain the requirements and components of the TRUE rating system.
  • Identify the TRUE certification process.
  • Describe the TRUE Advisor certificate program.
  • State the professional benefits that the TRUE Advisor certificate may provide.

Redesign, Reduce, Reuse
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Redesign category.
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Reduce category.
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Reuse category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Redesign category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Reuse category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Reduce category.

Bin Right Sizing
  • Define right-sizing.
  • Describe the process of right-sizing.

Compost (Re-earth) and Recycle
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Compost category.
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Recycle category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Compost category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Recycle character.

Zero Waste Reporting and Diversion from Landfill, Incineration (WTE) and Environment
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Zero Waste Reporting category.
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Diversion category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Zero Waste Reporting category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Diversion category.

Zero Waste Metrics
  • Define baseline.
  • Describe how to put together a diversion tracking system.
  • Explain how to calculate diversion.
  • Explain how to estimate weights.
  • Describe the diversion and calculation requirements in the TRUE rating system.
  • Describe the importance of the value and volume of your materials.

Zero Waste Purchasing, Leadership, Training and Zero Waste Analysis
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Purchasing category.
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Leadership category.
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Training category.
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Analysis category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Purchasing category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Leadership category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Training category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Analysis category.

Zero Waste Audits
  • Describe the difference between a waste audit and a zero waste audit.
  • Describe how to conduct a zero waste audit.

Upstream Management, Hazardous Waste Prevention, Closed Loop and Innovation
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Upstream Management category.
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Hazardous Waste Prevention category.
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Closed Loop category.
  • Describe the intent and requirements within the Innovation category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Upstream Management category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Hazardous Waste Prevention category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Closed Loop category.
  • Describe key terminologies, tools and technologies related to the Innovation category.