- Why use TRUE in commercial office buildings?
- How many commercial office building projects are registered and certified under TRUE?
- What is the TRUE portfolio program, and how can commercial office building projects benefit from the offering?
- How do multiple buildings and structures in a campus setting earn TRUE certification?
- What issues are unique to commercial office building projects?
- Where can I find owner profiles and case studies on commercial office building projects?
- Does USGBC offer any education for project teams wanting to learn more about commercial office building projects pursuing leadership with materials management?
- Who can I contact for more information?
Why use TRUE in commercial office buildings?
In addition to the benefits that are seen across all sectors such as a comprehensive, whole systems approach to achieving zero waste and the value of obtaining rigorous third-party certification, commercial office building facilities are experiencing increasing demand to deliver TRUE certified projects to fulfill ESG goals, engage occupants, keep up with market competition and to demonstrate commitment to environmental sustainability.
How many commercial office building projects are registered and certified under TRUE?
As of April 2025, approximately 175 commercial office building projects are registered and certified under TRUE. This building type is the fifth most common among all TRUE projects, representing around 12% of the total. The figure includes both individually certified projects and those certified through multi-building applications, such as portfolio certifications.
What is the TRUE portfolio program, and how can commercial office building projects benefit from the offering?
For organizations planning to certify many projects, the TRUE Portfolio Approach to certification can simplify TRUE documentation and speed up the review process for those portfolios where uniformity and standardization of the TRUE requirements are built into the facilities’ operational processes. Using this option streamlines TRUE certifications by focusing on similarities in policies and practices – no matter where the projects are located. For organizations that want to certify multiple projects, this option offers valuable economies of scale. Learn more.
How do multiple buildings and structures in a campus setting earn TRUE certification?
Commercial office building projects commonly operate with multiple buildings spread across a single site. To address this, TRUE Campus Guidance was introduced for projects that are on a shared site under the control of a single entity. Its application to TRUE projects represents the complexity and commonality of buildings and infrastructure on a site. TRUE Campus Guidance is available in the Guide to TRUE Certification, highlighting the conditions for campuses with multiple buildings and campus‐wide management policies. Project teams can benefit from an increase in streamlined review process and reduced certification fees under the Group Campus approach, leading to successful implementation of TRUE projects.
What issues are unique to commercial office building projects?
Tenant participation varies, making consistent waste sorting and reduction programs difficult to enforce. High volumes of paper waste, packaging from office supplies, and food waste from breakrooms or cafeterias contribute to landfill diversion challenges. Staff may not always sort waste properly, and waste collection infrastructure is often designed for convenience. Additionally, a landlord must incorporate zero waste procurement policies and sustainability initiatives. To succeed, office buildings must implement clear waste reduction policies, consider green leasing language to include these policies, engage tenants in zero-waste practices, and work closely with vendors and janitorial teams to ensure effective waste diversion. A representative or zero waste champion from each tenant could join a building-wide green team, to share best practices and opportunities for achieving zero waste and TRUE certification. A good first step for these individuals is to take the TRUE Advisor certificate program to establish a common terminology and set of strategies.
Where can I find owner profiles and case studies on commercial office building projects?
- Peek into a TRUE Project: Colgate-Palmolive Midrand Office
- GreenA Consultants Headquarters Case Study
Does USGBC offer any education for project teams wanting to learn more about commercial office building projects pursuing leadership with materials management?
Yes! Check out the following sessions in the USGBC online course catalog:
- TRUE Case Study: TRUE Case Study Henderson 688
- TRUE Core Concept: Training and Employee Engagement
- TRUE Core Concepts: Recycling
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information about TRUE and how it applies to commercial office building projects, contact us.