GENESIS Marina, an expansive laboratory and office campus in Brisbane, Calif., is the world’s first Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE)-certified construction endeavor. The recently completed project consisted of three buildings totaling about 560,000 sf.
The certification recognizes projects that achieve outstanding levels of resource efficiency through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling practices. The project diverted 98.4% of construction waste from landfills, an achievement that includes preventing waste from being sent to waste-to-energy facilities.
TRUE certification is administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), part of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) family. Construction manager Webcor partnered with All About Waste, a zero waste and circular economy consultant, to achieve the certification.
The certification process involved a comprehensive evaluation of waste reduction practices including reduced packaging, the use of recycled products, and innovative end-of-life solutions for materials. Webcor’s approach emphasized collaboration across all levels of the project team and with subcontractors and partners to achieve the project’s waste reduction goals.
"TRUE emphasizes waste reduction before any waste is created on the jobsite,” says Webcor Sustainability Director Sarah Rege. “This significantly reduces the volume of waste and emissions from transportation, benefiting local air quality and supporting local businesses.”
GENESIS Marina was awarded TRUE Gold in February 2024.
“We are proud to see Webcor’s forward-thinking efforts at GENESIS Marina and for initiating a broader conversation about the feasibility and benefits of zero waste and sustainability in construction,” said Joe Marconi, a Partner at Bain Capital Real Estate. “We are committed to continuing these impactful practices and positively contributing to the built environment in the years to come.”
Owner and/or developer: Phase 3 Real Estate
Architect: Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill (SOM)
MEP engineer: Meyers+ Engineers
Structural engineer: Paradigm Structural Engineers
General contractor/construction manager: Webcor
Related Stories
Wood | Oct 24, 2019
Could mass timber be a game changer for stadium design?
Projects throughout the U.S. and Canada showcase the design and environmental traits of large-scale wood sports facilities.
Sustainability | Aug 15, 2019
Paris will soon be home to the world’s largest rooftop farm
Agripolis is spearheading the project.
Sustainability | Aug 2, 2019
This will become the first carbon-neutral social housing project in Italy
Barreca & La Varra designed the project.
Sustainability | Jun 7, 2019
Workplace wellness: Top 3 tips for Fitwel certification
How can thoughtful design encourage healthier choices, lifestyles, and work environments?
Sustainability | May 28, 2019
Carrier’s world headquarters in Florida goes green
The structure is the first commercial building in Florida to achieve LEED Platinum v4 Certification.
Resiliency | Apr 22, 2019
Turner Construction doubles down on jobsite efficiency
The company targets a 50% cut in greenhouse gas emissions and water use from construction activities by 2030.
Sustainability | Apr 5, 2019
BIG unveils vision for a sustainable, floating city
The project is dubbed Oceanix City.
Sustainability | Mar 25, 2019
This is the world’s first Sustainable SITES Initiative v2 Platinum project
The building is part of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh.
Sustainability | Feb 20, 2019
Studio NAB’s Superfarm project creates an entire ecosystem in an urban environment
The Superfarm will go beyond what vertical farms typically produce.
Sustainability | Feb 11, 2019
AEC firms practice what they preach
The advice about wellness firms dispense to clients in many cases has already been road tested to make their own workplaces healthier.
