The Green Impact Report Quick take: Quick take: Ross Guberman reveals how AI sensors and tech-enabled waste management can slash building operating costs while hitting zero waste targets—turning dumpster diving into data science.
Meet Your Fellow Sustainability Champion
Ross Guberman is a seasoned executive with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental management. Currently serving as the SVP of Sustainability at Recycle Track Systems, he has a proven track record of leading organizations towards high profit and impactful practices.
His diverse experience includes founding and leading Great Forest as CEO, where he honed skills in contract negotiation and program development. Ross’s early career as an Environmental Volunteer with the Peace Corps in Cape Verde reflects his long-standing commitment to environmental issues.
With a strong educational background in Mathematics from Rutgers University, he combines analytical skills with strategic planning expertise. Ross is passionate about creating enjoyable workplaces while driving sustainable development initiatives.
Breaking Ground on Better Building
In this episode, Ross revolutionizes traditional waste management approaches:
Key Insight #1: AI Sensors Turn Waste Bins Into Smart Infrastructure
The Challenge: Building managers have no visibility into bin fullness, leading to unnecessary pickups, contamination, and wasted hauler routes
The Solution: RTS Pello sensors with cameras and sonar monitor bin levels 24/7, detect contamination, and automatically alert haulers when service is needed
ROI: Eliminates truck traffic, right-sizes service schedules, and provides real-time contamination feedback to reduce recycling stream pollution
Key Insight #2: Consolidated Portfolio Management Beats Fragmented Haulers
The Challenge: Large building portfolios juggle multiple waste haulers with separate invoices, no data consistency, and zero optimization across sites
The Solution: Single technology platform managing 1,000+ locations with unified billing, data analytics, and sustainability reporting
ROI: Dramatic time savings for accounting teams, consolidated invoicing, and leveraged negotiating power across entire portfolios
Key Insight #3: Gamification Makes Waste Reduction Tangible
The Challenge: Energy and water savings are invisible to building occupants, making sustainability engagement difficult
The Solution: Reverse vending machines that reward recycling behavior with instant incentives like raffle entries and discounts
ROI: Creates visible sustainability touchpoints that change behaviors and build environmental awareness across building communities
Sustainable Soundbite
Your Green Building Action Plan
Transform your next project with these steps:
This Week: Conduct a detailed waste audit across different floors and areas to understand your building’s waste generation patterns
This Quarter: Pilot AI-enabled waste monitoring in one building to demonstrate cost savings and contamination reduction
This Year: Implement portfolio-wide waste consolidation and technology integration to achieve 90%+ landfill diversion rates
Connect & Learn More
- 🔗 Connect with Ross Guberman: LinkedIn
- 🗒️ Read the transcript: Full Episode Transcript
- 📚 Recommended reading: Nonviolent Communication:
- 🌿 Explore RTS’s waste technology solutions: RTS.com
Don’t forget to catch more episodes and resources for all of your green building news at the Green Building Matters website.
Want More Green Building Insights? Newsletter coming soon!
Green Building Matters, Inc © 2025 | Good Green Fun