GRESB

What is GRESB?

Sustainability in real estate becomes complicated once portfolios grow. Different buildings behave differently. Data quality varies. Reporting often smooths out details that actually matter.

GRESB emerged from that reality. Created in 2009, it is built for investors who need clarity across portfolios, not isolated success stories.

GRESB does not focus on design features in isolation. The emphasis sits on governance, operational performance, data coverage, and improvement over time, in how sustainability decisions are made, tracked, and evolved year after year.

That focus explains why the GRESB benchmark holds relevance in capital markets.

Who uses it (investors/funds/RE assets)

Institutional investors, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, REITs, and private equity managers use GRESB. These groups repeatedly face the same challenge. Comparing ESG performance across funds that operate in different regions and asset classes.

For asset owners and operators, GRESB reporting has become part of routine investor communication. A shared reference point helps. Less narrative explanation. More comparable information.

Assessment types

GRESB assessments are structured around asset type and lifecycle stage. This separation exists for a reason.

• GRESB Real Estate Standing Investments applies to assets already in operation.
• GRESB Real Estate Development covers assets under construction or major refurbishment.
• GRESB Infrastructure addresses transport, utilities, energy, and communication assets.

Each assessment focuses on what is materially relevant at that stage. Not everything. Only what affects performance and risk.

Scoring basics

The GRESB score is expressed as a percentage. It represents overall ESG performance across a portfolio.

Two components sit underneath the score. Management and policy on one side. Implementation and measurement, on the other hand.

The first looks at governance structures, sustainability strategy, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. The second focuses on asset-level performance, including energy use, emissions, water consumption, waste management, and social factors.

From this score, a GRESB rating is assigned. One to five stars. Relative rather than absolute. Always compared against peers.

Data required

A GRESB assessment depends heavily on data availability. Energy consumption data. Greenhouse gas emissions. Water usage. Waste metrics. Climate risk assessments. Building certifications. Tenant engagement activities.

Measured data carries more weight than estimates. That difference matters. Portfolios with strong metering coverage usually perform better because performance can be demonstrated with confidence.

Reporting workflow

GRESB reporting for real estate funds follows a predictable annual cycle. Registration first. Then, data collection and internal review. Questionnaire completion through the GRESB portal. Submission during the April to July window.

Validation follows submission. Evidence checks. Clarification requests were needed. Final scores and benchmarking reports are released later in the year.

Evidence + documentation

Evidence plays a decisive role in outcomes. Policies alone do not score well. Supporting documentation does.

Utility invoices, meter data exports, certifications, climate risk studies, and records of tenant engagement contribute to credibility.

Documentation expectations have increased over time. Traceability is now central to performance indicators.

Benchmarking outcomes

GRESB benchmarking delivers more than a headline score. Peer comparisons show relative position. Indicator-level results explain why that position exists. Trend analysis shows whether improvement is consistent or accidental.

These insights often influence capital planning. Retrofit decisions. Asset management priorities. Investor discussions.

Common pitfalls

Specific issues appear repeatedly. Limited data coverage remains common. Tenant-level data gaps are frequent. Policies that exist but are not implemented reduce scores.

Another recurring issue involves mindset. Treating GRESB as an annual reporting task rather than an operational management tool usually limits improvement.

How to improve GRESB score?

Improving a GRESB score rarely happens through dramatic changes. Progress tends to come from strengthening fundamentals.

Better data capture helps. Clear accountability helps more. Alignment between sustainability objectives and asset management decisions matters most.

Sub-metering expansion. Improved data accuracy. Active tenant engagement. These actions typically drive steady improvement.

How does EV charging help improve GRESB score?

EV charging supports several GRESB indicators when implemented correctly. It contributes to emissions reduction strategies. It strengthens tenant engagement. It signals preparedness for transport electrification.

When charging infrastructure is metered, energy use and emissions data can be reported accurately. That improves data coverage. That improves confidence.

Within GRESB real estate portfolios, EV charging increasingly reflects operational maturity rather than symbolic intent. This alignment supports stronger GRESB assessment and GRESB benchmark outcomes.

FAQs

Q:What is a good GRESB score?

A good GRESB score is one that clearly outperforms peers, especially when it results in a four or five-star rating rather than just a high number.

Who should report to GRESB?

GRESB reporting is relevant for real estate and infrastructure owners or funds that deal with institutional investors and long-term capital.

How long does a GRESB assessment take?

The formal assessment runs once a year, but preparation usually stretches over months as data is gathered and checked.

What documents are needed for GRESB?

Most submissions rely on policies, utility and emissions data, certifications, risk studies, and operational evidence.

How to improve GRESB rating?

Better data, clearer responsibility, and steady operational improvements tend to matter more than one-off sustainability actions.

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