U.S. Green Building Council Launches TRUE v2 to Streamline Zero Waste Certification
New Delhi, October 24, 2026: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the launch of TRUE v2, the next iteration of its TRUE zero waste certification program, according to a press release detailing the new release.
The updated rating system emphasizes zero waste impacts and global applicability, supporting organizations in advancing decarbonization, business transformation, and circularity goals. Over the past decade, TRUE has certified more than 680 projects totaling 272 million square feet and diverted 8.9 million tons of waste from landfills. The v2 update introduces a rebalanced credit structure, improved international usability, and greater rewards for high-impact actions, delivered via GBCI’s digital performance platform, Arc.
“Waste reduction is a community, environmental and business priority,” said Peter Templeton, President and CEO, USGBC and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). “TRUE v2 strengthens the connection between zero waste strategies and measurable impact, providing clearer pathways to improve performance and showcase excellence. This results-driven approach supports sustainability goals, improves the bottom line, and strengthens long-term business resilience.”
The launch addresses mounting global waste challenges, with commercial waste disposal costs in the United States growing 15 to 30 percent since 2016 and overall direct waste management costs projected to double by 2050. Organizations such as DLF Limited, which holds the largest portfolio of TRUE-certified projects in India, have utilized the framework to decrease material consumption and enhance operational efficiency.
“At DLF, sustainability is not a standalone initiative; it is fundamental to how we design, operate, and manage our spaces,” said Kumaran WR, Senior Executive Director at DLF Limited. “We view waste not as a by-product to be managed, but as a resource to be reimagined. Our TRUE certification journey reflects our ambition to advance a circular economy, where waste is minimized, resources are continuously recovered, and sustainability is embedded into everyday operations. By bringing together tenants, employees, and partners around a shared vision, we are demonstrating how large-scale real estate can create regenerative, zero-waste ecosystems and help shape a more resilient and sustainable future.”
Colgate-Palmolive, which operates 53 TRUE-certified projects across 27 countries, plans to utilize the updated framework to streamline site onboarding and connect zero waste efforts to climate strategy.
“Colgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all,” said Ann Tracy, Chief Sustainability Officer, Colgate-Palmolive. “Our 2030 Sustainability Strategy is focused on value-creating initiatives that drive measurable results. TRUE supports us on this journey, helping our teams move from individual waste-reduction projects to a global system that drives lasting impact.”
Registration for TRUE v2 is now open on the Arc platform for projects pursuing zero waste certification.
