- Why use TRUE on retail projects?
- How many retail projects are registered and certified under TRUE?
- What is the TRUE portfolio program, and how can retail projects benefit from the offering?
- How do multiple buildings and structures in a campus setting earn TRUE certification?
- What issues are unique to retail projects?
- Where can I find owner profiles and case studies on retail projects?
- Does USGBC offer any education for project teams wanting to learn more about retail projects pursuing leadership with materials management?
- Who can I contact for more information?
Why use TRUE on retail 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 the retail sector is experiencing increasing demand to deliver TRUE certified projects to meet consumer demands, fulfill ESG goals, keep up with market competition and to demonstrate commitment to environmental sustainability.
How many retail projects are registered and certified under TRUE?
As of April 2025, approximately 45 retail projects are registered or certified under TRUE. The retail sector presents significant growth opportunities for TRUE certification, with nearly 15 additional projects currently in the certification process in the last year. These include both one-off certifications and multiple-building applications, such as portfolio certifications.
What is the TRUE portfolio program, and how can retail projects benefit from the offering?
For organizations planning to certify many retail outlets, 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?
Individual retail stores often operate within a larger mall or campus that includes multiple tenants, buildings and structures. To address this, TRUE Campus Guidance was developed for projects located on a shared site under the control of a single entity. Its application ensures that the complexity and commonality of retail facilities are recognized. 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 benefit from a more efficient review process and reduced certification fees under the Group Campus approach, supporting the successful implementation of TRUE projects.
What issues are unique to retail projects?
The storage and transportation of goods presents a strong financial return on investment in reusable shipping containers and a reduction of single use packaging materials. In addition, retail stores can also be a point of collection for consumer waste for many materials that are harder to recycle, like Poly bags, also known as polyethylene bags or plastic bags. If a company has multiple retail stores, a representative or zero waste champion from each site is encouraged to join a company-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 retail projects?
Does USGBC offer any education for project teams wanting to learn more about retail projects pursuing leadership with materials management?
Yes! Check out the following sessions in the USGBC online course catalog:
- TRUE Case Study: Taylor Farms Retail
- TRUE Core Concept: Zero Waste Purchasing
- TRUE Core Concept: Training and Employee Engagement
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information about TRUE and how it applies to retail projects, contact us.