TRUE – administered by Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI) – helps facilities around the world define, pursue and achieve zero waste goals while becoming more resource efficient.
GBCI CEO Mahesh Ramanujam says: “Titan Florida recognises that by pursuing zero waste they are helping build a sustainable future for all. Waste impacts all facets of a business. Changing the way we use resources delivers public health benefits, reduces our environmental impact and advances a greener economy.”
Facilities achieve TRUE certification by meeting program requirements and accruing credits on a scorecard. Each site is then audited and must submit annual diversion data that demonstrates continuous compliance to achieve certification at four possible levels: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.
To achieve TRUE Platinum certification, the Pennsuco complex accrued additional credits for beginning programmes like repurposing used office supplies and materials, grass recycling/mulching, composting and a process of landscaping called Xeriscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation.
For example, as part of the credit for waste reporting, the Pennsuco complex became an active participant in the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Waste Wise Program, where diversion data is submitted to the EPA annually and goals are set for the following year. For its purchasing credit, Pennsuco adopted an Environmentally Preferred Purchasing guideline that is authorised by employees and management and applied to suppliers of the cement campus. All told, the Pennsuco complex diverted approximately 97% of its waste from the landfill and incineration last year.
Allyson Tombesi, environmental engineer at Titan Florida, says: “It’s not just about receiving an award; being zero waste is about considering how we can minimise our impacts so future generations have the opportunity to live in a sustainable environment. The program was created with a goal to encourage our employees to lead a zero waste lifestyle at both the plant and at home. Through program participation, we hope to inspire our employees, and our industry to take action that benefits the future of our planet.”
William Kissel, director of environment & land at Titan Florida, says: Clearly, Titan has a corporate commitment to zero waste. Earlier this year, Titan’s sister plant in the US, Roanoke Cement Company, earned similar certification as Pennsuco, becoming the world’s second cement plant to earn TRUE Gold Zero Waste certification. Now, Pennsuco sets the bar higher by achieving TRUE Platinum certification.”
