GBCI to Administer Zero Waste Certification and Credential

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) and the U. S. Zero Waste Business Council (USZWBC) has announced that they are formally joining forces to advance zero waste business practices. USZWBC will be integrated into the global GBCI community that drives sustainability across all sectors. GBCI will assume responsibility for the ongoing management and evolution of the Zero Waste Facility Certification and Zero Waste Business Associate programs created by USZWBC, and the zero waste principles will be aligned with GBCI’s offerings.

“GBCI is taking another important step toward creating a holistic strategy for green business that began when the U.S. Green Business Council (USGBC) launched the LEED green building rating system 16 years ago,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president, GBCI, and COO, USGBC. “By reducing and eliminating the volume and toxicity of waste and materials and aligning green rating systems, we are one step further in transforming the market to be more sustainable.”

GBCI is the exclusive provider of third-party certification and professional credentials for LEED, the world’s most widely used green building rating program, and other respected sustainability programs including WELL, PEER, SITES, GRESB and Parksmart. As the premier credentialing body for green business, GBCI is uniquely positioned to engage market leaders in accelerating the adoption of zero waste strategies by building upon the work and mission of USZWBC.

“USZWBC is so excited to join the GBCI family. By spearheading a comprehensive certification and training program, we have already made huge strides in shifting attitudes and behaviors of large and small companies to focus upstream with managing waste,” said Stephanie Barger, founder and executive director, USZWBC. “With GBCI’s influence, we will be able to further the integrity and credibility of zero waste and create a zero waste economy for all!”

Zero Waste Facility Certification is based on the peer-reviewed, internationally accepted definition of zero waste developed by the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), and has been aligned with credit requirements of LEED for Buildings Operations and Maintenance (LEED O+M). Zero Waste Business Associates help implement best practices and measure progress toward achieving zero waste goals and certification. Businesses, organizations and communities that divert more than 90 percent of waste from landfills, incinerators and the environment are considered to be successful in achieving zero waste.