Zero Waste Construction Certification
Pilot recognition and verification for construction, demolition, and renovation projectsZero Waste Construction Certification provides a pilot recognition and verification pathway for construction, demolition, and renovation projects that are working to prevent waste, manage materials responsibly, document progress, and demonstrate performance against Zero Waste Canada pilot criteria.
Zero Waste Canada provides the pilot certification framework, review process, verification requirements, and final recognition or pilot certification decisions. HSR Zero Waste may support applicants with readiness review, documentation preparation, process guidance, and certification support.
Applicants remain responsible for implementing project practices, tracking performance, organizing documentation, and submitting the materials needed for review.
What Is Zero Waste Construction Certification?
Zero Waste Construction Certification provides a structured pilot review pathway for construction, demolition, and renovation projects working to document and verify Zero Waste progress.
The program is designed for project-based work connected to the creation, renovation, demolition, or improvement of a built space on a defined project site. This can include anything from a single building to multiple buildings within the same project scope.
The certification process reviews project scope, planning, waste prevention, material management, contractor and subcontractor engagement, documentation, reporting, and verified performance against Zero Waste Canada pilot criteria.
Currently in Pilot Stage
Zero Waste Construction Certification is currently being offered as a pilot program.
Participating projects help test and refine the certification criteria while being reviewed for recognition or pilot certification based on their scope, documentation, implementation, and verified progress.
Because the program is in the pilot stage, project teams should begin with an introductory call to confirm project scope, timeline, readiness, and potential next steps.
When Should You Start?
Project teams should begin the certification process as early as possible.
The best time to begin is during design, pre-construction, demolition planning, renovation planning, or early project planning. Starting early gives the project team more opportunity to set expectations, identify waste prevention strategies, engage contractors and subcontractors, prepare tracking systems, and reduce contamination before major work begins.
Projects that are already underway may still be reviewed, but late participation may limit the level of planning, documentation, verification, and recognition available.
Who Should Participate?
The building owner is ultimately responsible for registering the project for certification. However, successful participation will usually require involvement from the general contractor, project manager, design team, consultants, waste service providers, and key subcontractors.
The general contractor may also be recognized on the certificate of recognition or pilot certification when their role is directly connected to the project’s documented Zero Waste work.
This program may be relevant for:
- Construction projects
- Demolition projects
- Renovation projects
- Tenant improvement projects
- Major building upgrades
- Institutional, commercial, industrial, and community projects
- Projects seeking stronger material tracking and waste reduction documentation
Pilot Recognition and Certification Levels
Projects participating in the Zero Waste Construction Certification pilot may be eligible for different levels of recognition depending on their scope, documentation, implementation, and verified progress.
Certificate of Contribution
Projects that participate in the pilot and contribute to the development and refinement of the certification process may receive a Certificate of Contribution.
On the Road to Zero Waste Recognition
Projects that have started the process and demonstrated documented Zero Waste planning, material management, and progress may receive On the Road to Zero Waste Recognition.
Pilot Certificate of Recognition
Projects that meet selected pilot criteria and demonstrate meaningful progress through documentation and review may receive a Pilot Certificate of Recognition.
Zero Waste Construction Pilot Certification
Projects that meet the applicable pilot certification criteria and complete the required review and verification process may receive Zero Waste Construction Pilot Certification.
Need Support Preparing Your Project?
Project teams are welcome to work with their own Zero Waste, sustainability, or waste consultant.
If additional support is helpful, HSR Zero Waste can assist with readiness reviews, documentation preparation, process guidance, and certification support along the way.
Zero Waste Canada continues to serve as the certifying body, providing final recognition or pilot certification based on the applicable criteria and review process.
How the Process Works
Book an Introductory Call and Complete a Readiness Review
Book a call so we can learn about your project type, scope, timeline, goals, current planning status, and readiness for pilot recognition or certification.
Confirm Project Scope
The project scope is reviewed to confirm what is being assessed, including the site, project type, construction, demolition, or renovation activities, and key stakeholders involved.
Prepare the Zero Waste Project Approach
The applicant develops or reviews the project’s Zero Waste approach, including waste prevention priorities, material management practices, expectations for contractors and subcontractors, tracking methods, and documentation requirements.
Implement During the Project
The applicant and project team put the project approach into action, working closely with contractors and subcontractors, tracking materials, managing discards responsibly, and supporting proper sorting and diversion throughout the project.
Submit Project Documentation
Submit project documentation, which may include material tracking reports, diversion results, waste management plans, contractor communications, photos, invoices, hauling records, and other supporting documents.
Complete Final Review
Zero Waste Canada reviews the submitted documentation and verification results against the applicable pilot criteria.
Receive Recognition or Pilot Certification
Projects that meet the applicable criteria may receive Zero Waste Construction Pilot Certification or another appropriate level of recognition. Projects that make meaningful progress but do not yet meet full pilot certification criteria may receive recognition based on documented progress.
Certification Review and Verification
Zero Waste Construction Certification is reviewed against Zero Waste Canada’s pilot criteria, including project scope, planning, waste prevention, material management, contractor and subcontractor engagement, documentation, reporting, and verified progress.
Final recognition or pilot certification is issued by Zero Waste Canada based on the project’s submitted documentation, verification process, and demonstrated level of progress.
Developed With Industry Input
The Zero Waste Construction Certification pilot was developed with support from partners, funders, industry contributors, and working group members who helped inform the development of the pilot process.
Zero Waste Canada acknowledges the organizations and contributors that supported the development of this pilot program and helped advance practical Zero Waste approaches for construction, demolition, and renovation projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of projects can apply?
Zero Waste Construction Certification may apply to construction, demolition, renovation, tenant improvement, major upgrade, and other project-based work connected to a defined project site.
Is the program currently a pilot?
Yes. Zero Waste Construction Certification is currently being offered as a pilot program. Participating projects help test and refine the certification criteria while receiving guidance, review, and recognition based on their level of progress and documentation.
When should a project start the certification process?
Projects should begin as early as possible, ideally during design, pre-construction, demolition planning, renovation planning, or early project planning. Projects that are already underway may still be reviewed, but late participation may limit the level of planning, documentation, verification, and recognition available.
Who should be involved in the process?
The building owner is ultimately responsible for registering the project. However, the general contractor, project manager, design team, consultants, waste service providers, and key subcontractors may also need to be involved.
How do I get started?
Start by booking an introductory call. The support team will review your project type, scope, timeline, current planning status, and readiness for pilot recognition or certification.
Ready to Explore Zero Waste Construction Certification?
Not sure if your project is ready? Start with a short introductory call.
Explore Other Zero Waste Certification Programs
Looking for another certification pathway? Explore Zero Waste Canada’s related certification programs for facilities, construction projects, and other Zero Waste certification options.