New pilot credits offered for SITES and TRUE rating systems

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) has released Safety First pilot credits for its SITES and TRUE rating systems in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The new credits enable projects committed to sustainable landscape development and those pursuing zero waste goals to maintain those commitments while adapting practices and procedures in light of the current public health crisis,” according to a GBCI news release.

SITES, or The Sustainable SITES Initiative, promotes best practices and establishes performance measures for the sustainable development of parks, corporate campuses, and other green spaces. The new pilot credit promotes a risk assessment using the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) Risk Assessment Tool, and the creation of an updated operations and management plan. The plan must address factors including physical distancing, cleaning practices, impact on equity and inclusion, worker and visitor safety, signage, and communications.

TRUE enables organizations to define, pursue, and achieve zero waste goals for facilities. The new TRUE pilot credit focuses on eliminating adverse health impacts on personnel regarding hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste management. It encourages adoption of more stringent health and safety measures, such as the use and proper disposal of personal protective equipment, as well as risk management and mitigation training for employees working with solid waste.