Certify Your Building With WasteCap: Here’s How & Why It Matters

If your building is pursuing LEED, TRUE, or other green building certifications, WasteCap is here to help. Whether you're designing a new facility or optimizing your existing operations, our team guides you through the entire certification process: from strategy and documentation to final submission.

We don’t just hand you a checklist. We roll up our sleeves and work alongside your team to make it happen.

what we do

At WasteCap, our certification support is grounded in hands-on experience. We’ve worked with contractors, architects, developers, and facilities managers across Wisconsin to certify buildings, job sites, and business operations using nationally recognized sustainability standards.

Some of the most common certifications we help with include:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
​Recognizes high-performance buildings focused on energy use, water efficiency, material selection, and sustainable site development.

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TRUE Zero Waste
Helps organizations divert at least 90% of waste from landfills and incineration by rethinking systems and streamlining operations.

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STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System)
Designed for colleges and universities, STARS provides a transparent, self-reporting framework for measuring sustainability performance across academics, operations, and engagement.

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​Living Building Challenge
One of the most rigorous green building standards in the world, Living Building Challenge pushes projects to go beyond sustainability: to be regenerative. It includes performance requirements in areas like energy, water, equity, materials, and beauty.

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Each certification comes with its own rules, acronyms, and paperwork. That’s where we come in. We’ve helped construction sites, warehouses, office buildings, and manufacturing facilities receive certifications without losing time or clarity. Whether you’re aiming for formal recognition or simply trying to meet internal benchmarks, we take the guesswork out of what needs to be done and how to do it right.

Our team helps you:

• Select the right pathway for your goals and operations
• Conduct assessments and identify quick wins
• Create or refine policies, procedures, and signage
• Complete documentation and manage credit submissions
• Train staff, vendors, or contractors on certification requirements
• Track metrics with TRACE platform to measure and report progress

Why Certification Is Worth IT

Getting certified isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s a powerful way to reduce environmental impact, cut operational costs, and demonstrate your organization’s commitment to sustainability.

Here are just a few of the benefits:

• Cost savings from reduced energy, water, and waste
• Increased asset value and potential tax benefits
• Improved employee and tenant satisfaction
• Recognition and marketability to clients, partners, and investors
• Compliance support for ESG, municipal, or grant reporting

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Because WasteCap is a nonprofit, working with us may also qualify as a tax-deductible professional service expense—making certification support not only impactful, but affordable.

how it works

We tailor every engagement based on your building’s size, type, and goals. Our process usually follows four key phases:

1. Initial Consultation
   We assess your current operations, review any existing documentation, and identify the right certification pathway.
2. Goal Setting & Roadmapping
   Next, we outline a clear action plan, assign roles, and establish timelines to ensure every requirement is met.
3. Implementation & Support
   We help you make the necessary changes—whether that’s sourcing recycled content materials, training your staff, updating signage, or reworking your waste stream.
4. Site Audits
   From construction walkthroughs to waste audits, we show up where it counts. Our team conducts in-person visits to track progress, troubleshoot challenges, and work directly with your staff, because real change happens on-site, not just on paper.
5. Tracking & Submission
   Finally, we handle the reporting, documentation, and submission process. We also help you create easy-to-understand visuals and summaries to share with stakeholders.

Ready to certify?

Whether you're starting from scratch or picking up where another team left off, WasteCap brings the knowledge, tools, and accountability to help you succeed. With a focus on practical strategies and measurable outcomes, we make the certification process simpler, more transparent, and more rewarding.

Visit wastecap.org to learn more about our services or submit a project inquiry form. Let’s build something better together.