- Why use TRUE for education projects?
- How many education projects are registered and certified under TRUE?
- How do multiple buildings and structures in a campus setting earn TRUE certification?
- What is the TRUE portfolio program, and how can education projects benefit from the offering?
- What issues are unique to education projects?
- Where can I find owner profiles and case studies on education projects?
- Does USGBC offer any education for project teams wanting to learn more about education projects pursuing leadership with materials management?
- Who can I contact for more information?
Why use TRUE for education projects?
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, higher education operations are experiencing increasing demand to deliver TRUE certified projects to attract and engage students, fulfill ESG goals, and to demonstrate commitment to environmental sustainability.
How many higher education projects are registered and certified under TRUE?
As of June 2026, education remains a key growth sector for TRUE certification. While TRUE certification adoption is still expanding, schools can look to existing case studies, such as UC Berkeley Chou Hall, for guidance.
How do multiple buildings and structures in a campus setting earn TRUE certification?
Education projects commonly operate with multiple buildings spread across a single site. To address this, the 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 is the TRUE portfolio program, and how can education 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 buildings but on different timelines, this option offers valuable economies of scale. Learn more.
What issues are unique to education projects?
Education institutions pursuing TRUE certification face unique challenges, including high student and staff turnover, diverse waste streams (e.g., food, lab, and electronic waste), and decentralized operations that make waste management coordination difficult. Dining hall waste, large event waste, and move-in/move-out surges further complicate diversion efforts. Engaging vendors in sustainable procurement, balancing budget constraints, and fostering long-term behavioral change requires continuous education and investment in infrastructure. Despite these challenges, schools can leverage student engagement, campus-wide policies, and innovative waste reduction strategies to achieve zero-waste goals. Many campuses have adopted zero waste goals for their large sporting events and move-out strategies prioritizing reuse are opportunities to make an impact. Often zero waste champions including students, teachers and staff establish a campus-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 higher education projects?
- Rochester School
- Environmental Nature Center and Preschool
- UC Berkeley students deliver a lesson in zero waste with TRUE
- An education in zero waste: Schools are making the grade [USGBC+]
Does USGBC offer any education for project teams wanting to learn more about higher education projects pursuing leadership with materials management?
Yes! Check out the following sessions in the USGBC online course catalog:
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information about TRUE and how it applies to higher education projects, contact us.