Green Building Break – TRUE: Certification for Zero Waste
This program is presented in partnership with the St. Louis Regional Green Business Challenge and U.S. Green Building Council
Join us to learn about TRUE Certification for zero waste at this free webinar! TRUE is a framework for helping projects divert all solid waste from the landfill, incineration (waste to energy), and the environment. By closing the loop, TRUE projects cut greenhouse gases, manage risk, reduce litter and pollution, reinvest resources locally, create jobs and add more value for their company and community.
This program will provide an overview of the TRUE Certification program and feature a local case study from the aptly named, True Manufacturing Company, which set its first major sustainability goal in 2016: to achieve Zero Waste certification by 2027. As a manufacturing facility with over 4 million square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space in Missouri, the journey to TRUE Zero Waste Certification came with unique situations and challenges. True Manufacturing navigated each challenge – from diversion accuracy and consistency – with focus, determination and team engagement, earning 52 category points and a TRUE Gold Certification in 2026.
Speakers:
Stephanie Barger, Director TRUE Zero Waste, Market Transformation and Business Development at U.S. Green Building Council
Ken Jackson, FMP, SFP, Facilities Manager at True Manufacturing
WHEN
Friday, August 21 at noon
WHERE
Virtual via Zoom
ADMISSON
Free! Register to received virtual meeting info.
Speakers
Stephanie Barger, Director TRUE Zero Waste, Market Transformation and Business Development at U.S. Green Building Council
Stephanie Barger is responsible for the growth and development of the TRUE Certification, a zero waste program. TRUE was acquired by Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI) in 2016 and was previously known as U.S. Zero Waste Business Council, which Stephanie formed in January 2012. She has over 25 years of experience in environmental stewardship, employee training, management consulting and business development. Prior to forming the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council, Stephanie spent 15 years leading Earth Resource Foundation (ERF), a dynamic high school environmental leadership program. In her spare time, she raises guide dog puppies for the blind and advocates for humane treatment of all creatures great and small.
Ken Jackson, FMP, SFP, Facilities Manager at True Manufacturing
Ken Jackson leads facility operations supporting large-scale manufacturing environments and long-term strategic initiatives at True Manufacturing. He began his career in the United States Marine Corps as an electronic technician before continuing his education at Ranken Technical College while working as an Industrial Maintenance Technician. Ken brings over 20 years of maintenance experience and more than 15 years in facilities and project management, with a proven track record of growth into senior leadership responsibilities.
His areas of expertise include facilities management, service coordination, and strategic planning, supported by deep knowledge of maintenance operations and continuous improvement. Ken is a founding member of True Manufacturing’s sustainability team and remains a core contributor, playing a key role in Zero Waste initiatives through education and team engagement. He is also an active member of IFMA and Missouri Gateway Green Building Council and is passionate about sustainability and ongoing professional development.
Code of Conduct:
Missouri Gateway Green Building Council (MGGBC) is committed to providing a safe, productive, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants attending our events in person or virtually. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination in any form. We aim to provide opportunities for open dialogue and exchange of green building & sustainability ideas and promote full participation and belonging for all participants. Discrimination and harassment include unwelcome, exclusionary behavior because of gender or gender identity, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status, age, citizenship, language, political or other opinion, physical appearance, economic status, and/or other identities. MGGBC expects everyone participating in its events and discussions, including Board Members, Committee Members, Volunteers, Members, Staff, and Guests to comply with this Code of Conduct. It is the responsibility of all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody. Individuals violating this Code of Conduct will be asked to leave.
Consent to use photographic images:
This event will be recorded and shared on our website. Registration/attendance at, or participation in Missouri Gateway Green Building Council programs and activities constitutes an agreement by the registrants to allow the organization to use and distribute (both now and in the future) the attendee’s image, in photographs, video, and electronic reproductions of such events and activities.
