- Why use TRUE for hospitality projects?
- How many hospitality projects are registered and certified under TRUE?
- What is the TRUE portfolio program, and how can hospitality projects benefit from the offering?
- How do multiple buildings and structures in a campus setting earn TRUE certification?
- What issues are unique to hospitality projects?
- Where can I find owner profiles and case studies on hospitality projects?
- Does USGBC offer any education for project teams wanting to learn more about hospitality projects pursuing leadership with materials management?
- Who can I contact for more information?
Why use TRUE for hospitality 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 hospitality operations are experiencing increasing demand to deliver TRUE certified projects to enhance the guest experience, meet requests for sustainable events, fulfill ESG goals, keep up with market competition and to demonstrate commitment to environmental sustainability.
How many hospitality projects are registered and certified under TRUE?
As of April 2025, hospitality projects represent a growing segment of TRUE certification. In the past year, this sector has shown significant growth potential, with a 42% increase. This growth includes both projects certified through the one-off process and those certified through multiple-building applications, such as portfolios.
What is the TRUE portfolio program, and how can hospitality 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 certify multiple buildings within a given timeframe, this option offers valuable economies of scale. Learn more.
How do multiple buildings and structures in a campus setting earn TRUE certification?
Hospitality 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 hospitality projects?
Hospitality projects pursuing TRUE certification face unique challenges due to high guest turnover, diverse waste streams, and the need to maintain service quality while reducing waste. Hotels, resorts, restaurants and stadiums, arenas and events generate significant food waste, single-use plastics, and packaging from amenities, housekeeping, and dining operations. Guest behavior is unpredictable, making waste sorting and diversion difficult. Balancing sustainability goals with customer expectations for convenience and luxury can be challenging, especially when reducing disposable items. Additionally, staff training must be ongoing due to frequent employee turnover. Engaging suppliers in sustainable procurement and engaging back-of-house operations as a part of the zero waste team are crucial for achieving TRUE in the hospitality industry. A representative or zero waste champion from each department joins a facility-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 hospitality projects?
Does USGBC offer any education for project teams wanting to learn more about hospitality 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 hospitality projects, contact us.