Case Study

TRUEGRID Australia

TRUEGRID Australia is committed to environmental stewardship, emphasising the importance of the ecological footprint on urban infrastructure. As a company, TRUEGRID seeks to offer an environmentally sustainable alternative to the negative impacts associated with traditional hardstand materials like concrete and asphalt.

As TRUEGRID moves into its second year of GECA certification under the Recycled Products standard, this case study explores the initial pursuit of third-party lifecycle ecolabel certification, the significance of the certification for the company, and the ongoing benefits it delivers.

Why did you choose to get GECA certification? 

TRUEGRID provides innovative site-specific surface solutions primarily for public sector, commercial, and industrial clients in the commercial construction industry. Our products are designed to function as a sustainable alternative to conventional hardstand solutions. However, the absence of Australian Standards for permeable pavers and plastic ground stabilisation products presented a unique challenge. TRUEGRID recognised the need for third-party certification to validate our products’ environmental and sustainability claims.

How important is independent certification to you and your clients? 

Without established Australian Standards, TRUEGRID turned to GECA certification to assure clients that their products are environmentally preferable. GECA certification plays a pivotal role in TRUEGRID’s business strategy, aligning with our mission to maximise the use of recycled materials. GECA certification provided credible, third-party assurance of our materials and processes, enhancing client confidence.

What does GECA deliver in the marketplace to your products?  

Certifying our permeable pavers under GECA’s Recycled Products standard is integral to TRUEGRID’s operations, particularly in a market where technical certification is often a prerequisite for project approval. TRUEGRID’s GECA certification is prominently featured in our marketing efforts, assuring potential clients that our products meet stringent environmental, human health, social impact and quality criteria.

Additionally, our certification has allowed TRUEGRID to be recognised under the Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA) new Responsible Product Framework V1.1, with a Responsible Product Value (RPV) score of 11, increasing the chance of selection for green building projects and public procurement.

What’s changed for you due to going through the GECA certification process? 

GECA certification prompted us to evaluate every aspect of the business, from the supply of recycled materials to the recyclability of our products at the end of their lifecycle. This comprehensive and independent assessment reinforced the company’s commitment to sustainability and opened new opportunities for business growth. The certification process underscored the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in business practices to continue to measure the difference we can make.

What do you think are the biggest sustainability challenges for your industry right now? 

The permeable paver industry faces several challenges, particularly in the commercial construction sector. TRUEGRID’s innovative products, which serve as alternatives to traditional asphalt and concrete, often encounter resistance due to long-standing regulations and historic industry bias where many past products did not perform. Additionally, the simplicity of TRUEGRID’s installation process—designed to function like LEGO® building blocks—can be difficult for engineers to accept, as it reduces the need for expensive machinery and skilled labour.

To overcome these challenges, TRUEGRID emphasises the importance of education. We actively engage with approval authorities, contractors, installers, and clients to demonstrate our products’ functional, economic, and environmental benefits. By educating stakeholders, TRUEGRID aims to facilitate the adoption of our innovative solutions, ultimately contributing to a healthier environment and improved urban infrastructure.

TRUEGRID’s continuing journey with GECA certification highlights the critical role of third-party validation in promoting sustainable business practices. Our certification has strengthened TRUEGRID’s market position and driven continuous improvement of our operations. Despite the challenges, TRUEGRID remains committed to advancing the permeable paver industry through innovation and education, ensuring our products contribute positively to the environment and society.