Frequent Questions on Using Portfolio Manager to Track Waste
On this page:
- Why is EPA adding waste tracking to Portfolio Manager?
- With waste tracking now available in Portfolio Manager, will EPA discontinue using the Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) data platforms such as Re-TRAC Connect?
- Does this mean I have to enter my data into Portfolio Manager and each of the SMM data platforms?
- Is EPA shutting down WasteWise?
- If I enter my waste data into Portfolio Manager, does EPA view it?
Why is EPA adding waste tracking to Portfolio Manager?
EPA has the opportunity to work across media programs to further environmental results, respond to market demand and introduce standardized waste reporting in commercial buildings.
Portfolio Manager users asked to have waste included in Portfolio Manager, as they see value in one platform to track and manage energy, water and waste. This will enable them to easily meet the increasing demands of sustainability reporting.
With waste tracking now available in Portfolio Manager, will EPA discontinue using the Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) data platforms such as Re-TRAC Connect?
No, the SMM data platform, used by WasteWise, Food Recovery Challenge and Federal Green Challenge partners will continue to be available and used for reporting and applying for award recognition.
Users can choose to use Portfolio Manager to actively track waste management activities on an ongoing basis and then report your annual figures in the SMM data platform for end of year reporting to EPA.
Does this mean I have to enter my data into Portfolio Manager and each of the SMM data platforms?
EPA is working toward finding ways for the platforms to communicate and exchange data with each other. However, in the interim, if you’re using Portfolio Manager or one of the SMM data platforms and you’d like to report for WasteWise, Food Recovery Challenge, or the Federal Green Challenge, let your program contact know (or email us at wastewisehelp@epa.gov) and we’ll explore developing a work around so you’re not entering the same data multiple times.
Is EPA shutting down WasteWise?
WasteWise is an active part of EPA’s SMM efforts, which promote the use and reuse of materials more productively over their entire lifecycles.
We encourage businesses, governments and non-profit organizations to join WasteWise. As a WasteWise partner, you can apply for annual recognition for your waste reduction achievements. Through the WasteWise awards, EPA recognizes organizations that demonstrate leadership in waste prevention and diversion.
If I enter my waste data into Portfolio Manager, does EPA view it?
No. EPA does not look at individual accounts or properties (unless specifically requested for user support). EPA only pulls aggregated information and overall activity level data (number of accounts, number of properties benchmarked, etc). Portfolio Manager is designed for the use of building owners and managers, not for reporting to EPA.