Reporting entity
Entity name: ____________
Fund Manager Organization Name (if applicable): ____________
The 2019 GRESB Developer Assessment Reference Guide (“Reference Guide”) accompanies the 2019 GRESB Developer Assessment and is published both as a standalone document and in the GRESB Portal alongside each Assessment indicator. The Reference Guide reflects the opinions of GRESB and not of our members. The information in the Reference Guide has been provided in good faith and is provided on an “as is” basis. We take reasonable care to check the accuracy and completeness of the Reference Guide prior to its publication. While we do not anticipate major changes, we reserve the right to make modifications to the Reference Guide. We will publicly announce any such modifications. The Reference Guide is not provided as the basis for any professional advice or for transactional use. GRESB and its advisors, consultants and sub-contractors shall not be responsible or liable for any advice given to third parties, any investment decisions or trading or any other actions taken by you or by third parties based on information contained in the Reference Guide. Except where stated otherwise, GRESB is the exclusive owner of all intellectual property rights in all the information contained in the Reference Guide.
GRESB is the environmental, social and governance (ESG) benchmark for real assets. Working in collaboration with the industry, GRESB defines the global standard for sustainability performance in real assets providing standardized and validated ESG data to more than 75 institutional investors, representing over USD 18 trillion in institutional capital.
For more information, visit gresb.com. Follow @GRESB on Twitter.
The GRESB Real Estate Assessment is the global standard for ESG benchmarking and reporting for listed property companies, private property funds, developers and investors that invest directly in real estate. The Assessment evaluates performance against 7 Sustainability Aspects, including information on performance indicators, such as energy, GHG emissions, water and waste. The methodology is consistent across different regions, investment vehicles and property types and aligns with international reporting frameworks, such as GRI and PRI.
The GRESB Real Estate Assessment provides investors with actionable information and tools to monitor and manage the ESG risks and opportunities of their investments, and to prepare for increasingly rigorous ESG obligations. Assessment participants receive comparative business intelligence on where they stand against their peers, a roadmap with the actions they can take to improve their ESG performance and a communication platform to engage with investors.
In addition to the GRESB Real Estate Assessment for property companies and fund managers that focus on themanagement of standing investments, GRESB provides a stand-alone GRESB Developer Assessment to evaluate the ESG performance of organizations that focus on development activities. The Developer Assessment focuses on policies, strategies, and measurable actions related to new construction and major renovation projects. It contains a subset of indicators from the GRESB Real Estate Assessment, plus the 14 indicators in the New Construction & Major Renovations (NC&MR) Aspect.
The GRESB Developer Assessment is designed for:
GRESB Public Disclosure evaluates the level of ESG disclosure by listed property companies and REITs. The evaluation is based on a set of indicators aligned with the GRESB Real Estate Assessment, allowing for a comparison of ESG disclosure performance between GRESB participants and non-participants. It also provides investors with a resource hub to access ESG disclosure documents across their full investment portfolio.
GRESB Public Disclosure data is initially collected by the GRESB team for selected companies, including both 2018 GRESB Real Estate Assessment participants and non-participants. All constituents have the opportunity to review and update this data before it becomes accessible to GRESB Investor Members. GRESB Public Disclosure consists of four Aspects: Governance of Sustainability, Implementation, Operational Performance and Stakeholder Engagement. Together, these Aspects contribute towards a Public Disclosure Level, expressed through an A to E sliding scale.
The GRESB Resilience Module is an optional supplement to the GRESB Real Estate and Infrastructure Assessments. It evaluates how real estate and infrastructure companies and funds are preparing for potentially disruptive events and changing conditions, assessing long-term trends, and becoming more resilient over time.
The Module is motivated by two key factors:
GRESB works in close collaboration with the National Association of Real Estate Investments Trusts (Nareit), a GRESB Industry Partner. Nareit encourages its corporate members to complete the annual GRESB Real Estate Assessments, which, for the past six years, has been the basis for their annual Leader in the Light Award competition. The Leader in the Light Awards are presented to REITs in eight property sectors: Diversified, Global (for non-U.S. companies), Health Care, Industrial, Lodging/Resorts, Office, Residential and Retail. If there are both large and small cap entries that meet the awards criteria in a given property sector, awards are presented to both the leading large and small cap companies. To participate in the Leader in the Light Award program, Nareit members must complete both the GRESB Real Estate Assessment and the Leader in the Light Supplement. Once all sections of the GRESB Real Estate Assessment are completed, including the Leader in the Light Supplement, participants are able to submit their entire submission which will automatically be included in the Leader in the Light Award competition.
The GRESB Infrastructure Assessment is an ESG engagement and benchmarking tool for institutional investors, fund managers and asset operators working in the infrastructure space.
The GRESB Infrastructure Assessment consists of two complementary components, a Fund Assessment and an Asset Assessment. Both components address critical aspects of ESG performance through a standardized, globally applicable, reporting and benchmarking framework.
The GRESB Infrastructure Assessment focuses on operating investments, infrastructure assets, companies and funds, and covers the full breadth of infrastructure sectors, including:
The GRESB Infrastructure Assessment provides investors with actionable information and tools to monitor and manage the ESG risks and opportunities of their investments, and to prepare for increasingly rigorous ESG obligations. GRESB Infrastructure Assessment participants receive comparative business intelligence on where they stand against their peers, a roadmap with the actions they can take to improve their ESG performance and a communication platform to engage with investors.
The GRESB Real Estate & Developer Assessment opens in the Assessment Portal on April 1, 2019. The submission deadline is July 1, 2019, providing participants with a three-month window to complete the Assessment. This is a fixed deadline, and GRESB will not accept submissions received after this date.
The GRESB validation process starts on June 15 and continues until July 31, 2019. We may need to contact you during this time to clarify any issues with your response.
Results are published in September and are distributed as follows:
For an overview of key dates and activities for the 2019 Assessment cycle, please see the Assessment timeline.
A Response Check is a high-level check of the Assessment response prior to final submission. It helps to reduce errors that may adversely impact the Assessment results and ensures the submission is as complete as possible.
The Response Check is available for request from April 1 to June 1, 2019 (midnight, Pacific time) subject to available resources. We strongly encourage participants to place their request as early as possible.
Fund Manager and Company Members are able to request a complimentary Response Check for one entity as a one membership benefits.
The Assessment Portal includes indicator-specific guidance, available under the “Guidance” tab that explains:
In addition to the guidance in the Portal, each Assessment is accompanied by a Reference Guide. The Reference Guide provides introductory information on the Assessments and a report-format version of the indicator-by-indicator guidance that is available under the Guidance tab in the Portal. The Reference Guide will be available on March 1, 2019.
The GRESB Assessment Portal has the following tools and functionality to help ensure an efficient and accurate submission:
GRESB works with a select group of Partners who can help participants with their Assessment submission. To learn more about the services offered by GRESB Partners, take a look at our Partner Directory.
Participants are able to contact the GRESB Helpdesk at any time for support and guidance.
GRESB Real Estate Assessment Training is designed to help participants, potential participants and other GRESB stakeholders (managers, consultants, data partners) improve their ESG reporting through the GRESB Real Estate Assessment.
The training is divided into two sessions – Introductory and Advanced – to reflect the level of experience with GRESB.
Both programs are delivered via face-to-face group sessions, in select locations across all regions with GRESB participation, including Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. See dates and locations for 2019 GRESB Assessment Training.
This Guide accompanies the 2019 GRESB Developer Assessment (referred to as “the Assessment”). Guidance is included for all Assessment indicators that comprise GRESB Real Estate’s five aspects, including the Assessment indicators addressing New Construction & Major Renovations. This Guide provides:
This Guide should provide all the basic information needed to complete the 2019 Assessment. If you need additional help, please contact the GRESB Helpdesk at any time for support and guidance.
Data is submitted to GRESB through a secure online platform and can only be seen by current GRESB Staff or authorized personnel from GRESB’s parent company, i.e, GBCI, Inc. (“GBCI”). GRESB benchmark scores are not made public. Data collected through the GRESB Developer Assessment is only disclosed to the participants themselves and:
No other third parties will see the data. GRESB Investor Members must request access to a participants' Benchmark results and scores, allowing the participant the control to either accept or deny this request.
Documentation provided as evidence can be made available to GRESB Real Estate Investor Members on a document by document basis. Each uploaded document has a checkbox (with the default set to ‘not available’) which, when selected by the participant, makes this evidence available to all investors with access to that entity. It is not possible to choose a sub-set of investors which you would like to share the documents for.
GRESB has developed a number of tools to assist participants with the collection and aggregation of asset-level data that is required to complete certain aspects of the Assessment. Property companies and funds are encouraged to use the asset level tools to streamline data flows, and to increase data quality. The asset-level data provided to GRESB is strictly confidential and will only be used for aggregation to portfolio level. No individual asset level information will be disclosed to participants’ investors.
As a default, GRESB does not disclose a participant’s data to other participants. For listed entities, the entity name is disclosed in the Benchmark Report, as well as the entity names of listed peer group constituents. For non-listed entities, only the fund manager’s name is disclosed, as well as the fund manager’s name of private peer group constituents.
GRESB provides an opt-in option that will disclose the entity’s name (public) or fund manager’s name (private), as well as the scores for the two dimensions (Management & Policy and Implementation & Measurement), to participants in the peer group that also opted to disclose their name and dimension scores.
First year participants can submit the Assessment without providing GRESB Investor Members with the ability to request access to their results. This is referred to as a “Grace Period”.
First year participants wishing to report under the Grace Period can select the option on an entity-by-entity basis from the settings section in the Assessment Portal. Participants who select the “Grace Period” option can decide to unselect the option following receipt of their results. The Grace Period is not available in the second year of participation, regardless of whether it was used in the first year or not.
The “Grace Period” allows participants a year to familiarize themselves with the GRESB reporting and assessment process. The names of participating entities are still visible during the Grace Period, but GRESB Investor Members will not be able to request to see their results.
Grace Period participants receive a GRESB Scorecard and have the opportunity to purchase a Benchmark Report for a more in-depth analysis of their sustainability performance.
The following tools help participants with the submission process:
Yes. You can check the GRESB Privacy Statement here. We also have specific internal policies, such as our Data Breach Policy and our Data Protection Policy, related to GDPR that we cannot share externally for security reasons. Please note that asset level data does not fall under the incidence of GDPR because it does not contain any personal data.
Cybersecurity. What steps have GRESB taken to prevent unauthorized access to asset-level data?We hired an expert to review all of our data security measures and systems. No issues were flagged. Our website, as well as the GRESB Portal are fully HTTPS/TLS encrypted. We have strict and extensive policies on data security that we cannot share externally for security reasons. Our public policies can be accessed here.
Each indicator is allocated to one of the three sustainability dimensions (E- environmental; S- social; G- governance):
Every indicator in the 2019 Assessment can be answered with ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ and in some cases with ‘Not applicable’. If ‘Yes’ is selected, the participant has the option to further classify the response by selecting one or more sub-options.
Participants should select all sub-options that accurately describe the entity and for which the entity can provide evidence. If ‘No’ or ‘Not applicable’ is selected, the participant may not select any additional sub-options. A 'Not Applicable' answer is interpreted and scored in the same way as a “No” and will yield 0 points. GRESB has marked each indicator to reflect whether it has been amended or is new, by providing the indicator number in orange.
Selected indicators in the Assessment require supporting evidence. Evidence is information that can be used to validate the overall answer to the indicator and support any additionally selected criteria. GRESB does not have a prescriptive standard for evidence, rather the expectation is that a validator with reasonable domain expertise can review the evidence and find support for the overall indicator response and selected answer options. This means that the uploaded evidence should clearly reference the answer options selected by the participant. The evidence should not require extensive interpretation or inference, and participants are strongly encouraged to provide the simplest evidence that supports their claim.
It is the responsibility of the reporting entity to provide clear and concise information that can be easily found and understood by the validator. The validator will reject claimed answers or selected answer options not supported by clear evidence.
If a hyperlink (or deep link) is provided, ensure that the relevant page can be accessed within two steps. Ideally, the landing page should contain all the information needed to validate the answer. In order to qualify as valid supporting evidence, the evidence provided must demonstrate the existence of the relevant topic relating to each of the criteria selected. The participant has the obligation to ensure that the hyperlink is functioning. Broken links are the responsibility of the participant and will be interpreted as the absence of evidence. Hyperlinks can only be provided if indicated. In all other instances, the actual document should be uploaded, or the document name and publication date should be provided. Hyperlinks in uploaded documents will not be checked.
Your Assessment response must be submitted in English. Documents uploaded as supporting evidence do not need to be entirely translated. However, a thorough summary of the content, sufficient to convey that each requirement has been met, should be provided in English.
GRESB intends to translate the 2019 GRESB Real Estate Assessment in to Japanese.
For other languages, the GRESB assessment portal can be translated by using “Google translate” via the Google Chrome web browser. This applies to the assessment portal , guidance notes and online version of the reference guide.
How to use Google Translate
Turn translation on
You can control whether Chrome will offer to translate web pages.
Disclaimer
Please note that not all text may be translated accurately or be translated at all. GRESB is not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate translations. GRESB will not be held responsible for any damage or issues that may result from using Google Translate.
Over the years, the number of scored open text boxes has been reduced in an effort to shift focus from management to implementation. GRESB distinguishes between open text boxes:
Each type of text box is clearly marked in the Assessment.
Some indicators offer the opportunity to provide an alternative answer option (‘Other’). These other answers must stand outside of the options listed in the question. It is possible to add multiple other answers, however scores will not be aggregated. All answers are validated as part of the data validation process.
The indicator-specific guidance contains:
Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3 in the Developer Assessment. A response to an indicator must be true at the close of the reporting period; however, the response does not need to have been true for the entire reporting period. GRESB does not favour the use of calendar year over fiscal year or viceversa, as long as the chosen reporting period is used consistently throughout the Assessment.
Assessment questions are asked at three levels. When a participating entity is part of a larger investment management organization or group of companies (the ‘Organization’), GRESB directs some indicators to be answered either:
Organization Level: These indicators do not need to relate specifically to the entity for which you are submitting an Assessment response. Instead, if the entity is part of an investment management organization or group of companies, your response may relate to the Organization.
Organization Level applicable to Entity Level: These indicators require you to respond at entity level but, if the entity is part of a larger organization (as defined above), your response may relate to organization level activities. However, in these circumstances, the organization level activities must apply to the entity.
Entity Level: These indicators ask for the highest level of detail in your response. Your response should relate specifically to the named entity for which you are submitting an Assessment response.
Each indicator specifies at which level you should respond. As part of the validation process, GRESB may seek confirmation that a question has been answered at the correct reporting level. Where a participating entity is not part of a larger organization, all Assessment responses should be answered at the entity level.
This information is used in the data validation process. State the full name of the organization(s). As part of our annual validation of service providers, we may ask you to provide additional information via the GRESB Portal.
The GRESB Developer Assessment is structured into five sustainability aspects. The weighted combination of scores for each aspect generates the overall GRESB Score. This Reference Guide provides detailed insight into the points available for each indicator, and the weighting of Assessment aspects. The information in this section provides additional context. Points per indicator are decided by GRESB in advance of the Assessment opening for responses. Indicator scoring goes through a three-stage review process based on GRESB’s rules, principles and guidelines.
For indicators where you can select one or more answers, GRESB awards points cumulatively for each individual selected answer and then aggregates to calculate a final score for the indicator. For many indicators, this final score is capped at a maximum, which means that it is not necessary to select all answers in order to receive full points. This scoring mechanisms allows the diversity among property companies and funds and the variety of their sustainability-oriented activities to be taken into account. Open text boxes (where participants answer through a descriptive text), and indicators for which participants select ‘other’ answers, are manually validated. Points are awarded based on the validity of the response.
The scoring model is based on an automated system, which uses a technology platform designed for GRESB by a third party that specializes in data analysis software development. The scoring is completed without manual intervention after data validation has been completed.
The sum of the scores for each indicator adds up to a maximum of 79 points, and the overall GRESB Score is then expressed as a percentage – from 0 to 100. The maximum score for each aspect is a weighted element of the overall GRESB Score. GRESB takes into account the unique characteristics of different property types, not only in benchmarking absolute scores, but also in the scoring of a selection of indicators.
The overall GRESB Score is divided into two dimensions: Management & Policy (MP) and Implementation & Measurement (IM).
| Sustainability Aspect | Weight (% Overall Score) |
|---|---|
| Management | 13.9% |
| Policy & Disclosure | 16.5% |
| Risks & EMS | 10.1% |
| Stakeholder Engagement | 12.7% |
| New Construction & Major Renovations | 46.8% |
| Resilience Module | Scored individually |
Management & Policy is defined as “the means by which a company or fund deals with or controls its portfolio and its stakeholders and/or a course or principle of action adopted by the company or fund.” The maximum score for Management & Policy is 50 points – this is 63.3 percent of the overall GRESB Score and is expressed as a percentage.
Implementation & Measurement is defined as “the process of executing a decision or plan or of putting a decision or plan into effect and/or the action of measuring something related to the portfolio.” The maximum score for Implementation & Measurement is 29 points – this is 36.7 percent of the overall GRESB Score and is expressed as a percentage.
Other informationIn response to industry feedback, GRESB has compiled a Scoring Document outlining the scoring methodology in detail as applied to each indicator in the 2019 Real Estate Assessment. The 2019 Scoring Document is available to participants via the Assessment Portal on April 1, 2019 and is shared for information purposes in an effort to increase transparency around the Assessment, Methodology and Scoring processes. GRESB reserves the right to make edits to this document during the scoring and analysis period preceding the 2019 results launch.
The GRESB Rating is an overall measure of how well ESG issues are integrated into the management and practices of companies and funds. The rating is based on the GRESB Score and its quintile position relative to the GRESB universe, with annual calibration of the model. It is calculated relative to the global performance of all reporting entities - property type and geography are not taken into account. In this way the GRESB Rating provides investors with insight into the differentiation of overall ESG performance within the global property sector. If certain regions systematically perform better, they will on average have higher-rated companies and funds. If the entity is placed in the top quintile, it will have a GRESB 5-star rating; if it is in the bottom quintile, it will have a GRESB 1-star rating, etc.
Entities with a score higher than 50 for both the Implementation & Measurement and Management & Policy dimensions receive the Green Star designation, highlighted through a distinctive markup in the Scorecard and Benchmark Reports.
A pre-set threshold determines an entity’s geographic location and property type:
Each participant is assigned to a peer group, based on the entity’s legal structure (public/private), property type and geographical location. To ensure participant anonymity, GRESB will only create a peer group if there is a minimum of six peers in the group.
Peer group assignments do not affect a company/fund’s score, but determine how GRESB places an Assessment participant’s results into context.
The goal of the peer group creation process is to compare participants who share as many characteristics as possible, while:
Each participant can be part of multiple peer groups, but can only have one active peer group. The active peer group is the one which is used for benchmarking and is displayed in the participant’s Benchmark Report. This means that participant A can be in the active peer group of participant B, without participant B being in the active peer group of participant A. The practical consequence of this is that A will be displayed in the Benchmark Report of B under “Peer Group Constituents”, while B will not be displayed in the Benchmark Report of A.
The peer group composition is determined by a simple set of quantitative rules and provides consistent treatment for all participants. If the peer group is too small or has too many participants with the same fund manager, we eliminate filters until we have a valid peer group. There are two ways in which the filter can be widened:
The system attempts to find the best peer group based on the criteria presented above. This process repeats in a loop following the logic described n the table available in Appendix: Peer Group Allocation Logic.
For public companies, the entity name of the peer group constituents is disclosed in the Benchmark Report. For private entities, only the fund manager’s name of the peer group constituents is disclosed. GRESB provides an opt-in option that discloses the entity’s name (listed) or fund manager’s name (private), as well as the scores for the two dimensions (Management & Policy and Implementation & Measurement). However, this is only disclosed to participants in the peer group who also opted to disclose their name and dimension scores.
Participants who would like to be compared against a different peer group than the one assigned by GRESB can request a Customized Benchmark Report (click here for details). The GRESB Customized Benchmark Report provides advanced analytics through alternative indicator-level performance comparisons and rankings based on a self-selected peer group. It builds on the detailed insights you can draw from the standard Benchmark Report and adds additional flexibility to understand your relative performance in the market.
Data validation is an important part of GRESB’s annual benchmarking process. The purpose of data validation is to encourage best practices in data collection and reporting. It provides the basis for GRESB’s continued efforts to provide investment grade data to its investor members. Following receipt of Assessment submissions, prior to analyzing the data, GRESB validates the input data. This process continues from June 15 until July 31, 2019.
GRESB operates a three-tier validation process (All Participant Check, Validation Plus, Validation Interview). Over the past years, the topics covered by the validation process and the scope of work for Validation Plus and Validation Interviews have increased significantly.The validation process is completely outsourced to GRESB’s parent company GBCI.
GRESB validation is a check on (a) the factual accuracy and (b) the logic (e.g. clear, sound reasoning) of GRESB Assessment submissions including:
GRESB checks:
Document uploads are validated based on the validity of the document relative to the requirements stated in the guidance for the indicator, including the actual reference to selected answer options (see “Evidence”). Uploaded evidence that was accepted in previous Assessment submissions might not be accepted in subsequent submissions. Enhanced validation checks and/or a change in the level of validation may result in different validation outcomes. In order to be accepted, the provided evidence should meet the requirements as stipulated in this Reference Guide.
The 2019 list of indicators selected for Validation Plus is:
| MA5 | ESG factors included in performance targets |
| PD1 | Policy on environmental issues |
| PD5.1 | Disclosure of ESG performance |
| RO3 | Due diligence on new acquisitions |
| SE4.1 | ESG specific requirements in the procurement process |
| NC1 | Sustainability strategy for new construction & major renovations |
| NC8 | Promotion of water conservation |
| NC14 | Monitoring impact on local community |
The GRESB/GBCI validation team reviews the uploaded documents, they are not disclosed by GRESB to any third parties, unless the option to make the evidence available to investors was selected. You may redact the documents, provided that enough information to validate your Assessment responses is available. All supporting evidence for indicators selected for Validation Plus must be submitted alongside the Developer Assessments. Documents, clarifications and information provided after submission will not be taken into consideration.
Validation Interviews participants are automatically selected using a system that analyzes criteria based on the previous year’s Assessment data. Participants selected will be notified by email after the Assessment submission. In 2019, GRESB anticipates that approximately five percent of participants will be selected for a Validation Interview.
Participants with questions on individual validation decisions can contact the GRESB Helpdesk. For a complete interpretation of the validation decisions in the Assessment, participants can request a Results Review. For more information about the Results Review, please click here.
Each validation inquiry sent via the GRESB Helpdesk is evaluated internally and can be the result of:
GRESB requires property companies and funds to report on their whole portfolio, including both managed and indirectly managed assets.
The Annual GRESB Assessment includes all assets that are held during the reporting period, including those that have been sold or purchased. For these assets, ESG data is reported for the period of time that the assets were part of the portfolio. This enables us to deliver the standardized and comparable assessment of portfolio-level ESG performance that the market is seeking. However it is also worth noting that in addition to simple overall scores of ESG performance - such as the GRESB Score and GRESB Ratings - we provide detailed aspect-level and individual indicator-level assessments of performance. This richer analysis, further complimented by peer group benchmarking, enables managers to understand their results in the context of their investment strategies and communicate this to their investors.
When an asset or assets are part of a joint venture, joint operation or are in joint ownership, participants are required to report on these assets, even if the joint arrangement means that the participant does not have direct operational control over the asset(s). Joint venture partners with a stake of 25 percent or higher are considered to have significant influence over operational initiatives and can therefore drive implementation of sustainability initiatives and performance improvements, even in the case the operational control resides with another partner. If the equity share in a joint venture, joint operation or joint ownership is more than, or equal to 25 percent, participants can choose to either (a) report on their share or (b) report on the full asset. This must be done consistently throughout the portfolio and is regardless of operational or management control. This may result in an asset being included in two separate submissions. However, this does not impact GRESB’s analysis or the benchmark results. If the equity share in a joint venture, joint operation or joint ownership is less than 25 percent, participants can exclude the asset(s) from the reporting boundaries. In either case, participants must explain their approach in the open text box in RC-NC1.2/2.2.
If an asset is part of multiple portfolios managed by the same fund manager, the asset should be treated as a joint venture in each portfolio. The rules outlined above apply.
Information provided in the Entity and Reporting Characteristics section determines the reporting scope and boundaries for the submission of the GRESB Assessment response. This section identifies the entity's characteristics and uses the information for benchmark-based scoring. The profile of the reporting entity is also used for peer group selection, which is based on property type and geographic allocation, as well as the nature of ownership and management structure. The section consists of two parts:
EC1
Reporting entity
Entity name: ____________
Fund Manager Organization Name (if applicable): ____________
Identify the participating entity. The entity name will be used to identify the entity on the GRESB portal and will be displayed in the entity’s Benchmark Report.
Entity name: Fund or company name of the investable entity for which the Assessment is submitted. In the case of listed companies, the entity name is the legal name of the organization, also used for identification on international stock exchanges. In the case of non-listed entities, the entity name identifies the investable portfolio for which the Assessment is submitted.
Entity manager (organization) name: Legal name of the organization that manages the entity (typically applicable for non-listed entities only).
Complete all applicable fields.
EC2
Nature of ownership:
Listed entity
Please specify ISIN: ____________
Year of commencement: ____________
Legal status:
Property company
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
Non-listed entity
Year of first closing: ____________
Entity style classification:
Core
Value Added
Opportunistic
Open or closed end:
Open end
Closed end
Finite or infinite structure:
Finite structure
Specify termination date: ____________
Infinite structure
Government entity
Describe the ownership status and characteristics of the participating entity.
Closed end fund: An investment vehicle with a fixed amount of capital. Limited liquidity, with the redemption of units provided for at the end of the life of the vehicle.
Core: An entity that includes a preponderance of core attributes; the entity as a whole will have low leasing exposure and low leverage. A low percentage of non-core assets is acceptable. As a result, such portfolios should achieve relatively high-income returns and exhibit relatively low volatility. Low-risk entities that invest in stabilized, income producing property, which is typically held for 5 to 10 years and have limited acquisition/disposal activity after the fund has been invested. Assets in core funds are characterized by stable income returns with less capital growth.
A Core Plus fund invests in similar style assets but adopts a more aggressive management style. Core Plus entities are considered Core for the purposes of the GRESB Assessment.
Finite structure: Refers to funds that have a specific termination date, otherwise known as the funds expiration or liquidation date.
First closing: A date specified by the manager on which the vehicle is launched, the initial capital subscription is completed and the commitment period commences.
Fund or vehicle: Terms used to describe a structure where at least three investors’ capital is pooled together and managed as a single entity with a common investment aim. For the purposes of these definitions, these terms can be used interchangeably.
Government entity: A real estate portfolio managed by a government agency (e.g. U.S. General Services Administration, GSA). Government portfolios are formed of publicly owned, publicly managed and publicly leased properties.
Infinite structure: Refers to funds with no specified or intended termination dates.
ISIN: International Securities Identification Number. ISINs are assigned to securities to facilitate unambiguous clearing and settlement procedures. They are composed of a 12-digit alphanumeric code and act to unify different ticker symbols, which can vary by exchange and currency for the same security. In the United States, ISINs are extended versions of 9-character CUSIP codes.
Listed entity: A company that is publicly listed and traded on a recognized stock exchange, such as Nasdaq or NYSE. Also known as "public entities”.
Non-listed entity: A company or fund that is not a listed or traded on any stock exchange. Also known as private entities or private portfolios.
Open end fund: An investment vehicle with a variable and unlimited amount of capital. Investors may purchase or redeem units or shares from the vehicle as outlined in contractual agreements.
Opportunistic: An entity of preponderantly non-core investments that is expected to derive most of its return from appreciation/ depreciation and/ or which is expected to and may exhibit significant volatility in returns. This volatility may be due to a variety of characteristics, such as exposure to development, significant leasing risk, high leverage, or a combination of moderate risk factors. High-risk entities that invest in greater yielding assets; for example, developments without pre-leasing, properties involving significant repositioning or that are distressed, and large portfolio acquisitions, purchased to be re-packaged and sold in smaller lot sizes. Opportunity funds generally maintain higher leverage limits and have shorter holding periods for assets.
REIT: A Real Estate Investment Trust is an investment vehicle for real estate that is comparable to a mutual fund. Listed REITs are traded on a stock exchange.
Value-added: An entity that generally includes a mix of core investments and non-core investments that will have less stable income streams. The entity as a whole is likely to have moderate lease exposure and moderate leverage. As a result, such entities should achieve a significant portion of the return from appreciation/ depreciation and are expected to exhibit moderate volatility.
Moderately higher-risk entities that typically engage in “forms of active management, such as tenant lease-up, repositioning or redevelopment, to generate returns through adding value to the investment properties”.
Year of commencement: The year in which the reporting entity began investing in the market. If a listed entity is delisted (i.e., taken private) but remains under the same management, the date of original commencement can be used for “date of first closing” for the new non-listed entity. If the entity is taken private by a new management company, the first day of closing should be the date of privatization. This information is not used for scoring and used for context only; portfolio vintage may affect the ability to implement ESG policies and strategies.
Select one of the options, select all applicable sub-options and complete the year of first closing/commencement. Entities reporting to GRESB are expected to represent investable vehicles, and these entities are expected to include all direct real estate assets held by the vehicle (i.e., the whole portfolio).
If two or more listed companies merge into one entity during the reporting period, report on the structure, policies and procedures of the newly formed entity as of the end of the reporting period.
Note: GRESB Real Estate Investor Members that invest in listed real estate securities have access to the results of all listed entities that participate in the GRESB Real Estate and/or Developer Assessment. Publicly traded closed-end fund should be considered as non-listed entity given their level of disclosure requirements.EC3
The reporting period is:
Calendar year
Fiscal year
Specify the starting month Month
Set the entity’s annual reporting period.
Calendar year: January 1 – December 31.
Fiscal year: The period used to calculate annual financial statements. Depending on the jurisdiction the fiscal year can start on April 1, July 1, October 1, etc.
Reporting period: Responses provided in the Assessment must refer to the reporting period identified in this indicator and should correspond to the most recently closed calendar year / fiscal year, as applicable. A response to an indicator must be true at the close of the reporting period; however, the response does not need to have been true for the entire reporting period. GRESB does not favour the use of calendar year over fiscal year or viceversa, as long as the chosen reporting period is used consistently throughout the Assessment.
Select one of the options.
EC4
Is the organization a member of an industry association?
Yes (multiple answers possible)
Asian Association for Investors in Non-listed Real Estate Vehicles (ANREV)
Asia Pacific Real Estate Association (APREA)
British Property Federation (BPF)
European Association for Investors in Non-Listed Real Estate Vehicles (INREV)
European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA)
National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT)
Pension Real Estate Association (PREA)
Real Property Association of Canada (REALpac)
Other: ____________
No
Establish whether there is a relationship with GRESB Partners (industry associations). Each entity on this list is a GRESB partner, receiving annual reports that show aggregate GRESB results for their membership. It is important for NAREIT members to select “NAREIT” for enrollment in the Leader in the Light Award Program (see Introduction for more information).
See definitions in Appendix - Terminology Acronyms.
Select one or more of the options. You can answer this indicator either at entity level or organization level.
RC1
Values are reported in: Currency
Set the currency for which the entity’s real estate portfolio of assets is denominated.
State the currency used by the entity for Assessment indicators that require a monetary value as a response.
Other: State the other currency form.
RC2
What was the gross asset value (GAV) of the entity at the end of the reporting period in millions?
________________________
Gross asset value (“GAV”) is a metric used in GRESB data analysis to identify the size of the portfolio.
GAV: Gross Asset Value.
Complete the GAV field in millions (e.g., a GAV of $75,000,000 must be reported as 75). Do not include a currency, as this has been reported in indicator RC1 above, but make sure the currency applied for GAV reporting is consistent with indicator RC1.
The value provided should be the GAV of the real estate portfolio at the end of the reporting period, and should include New Construction and Major Renovation projects (if any).
As an alternative to GAV, you may report using the market value, the fair value or Net Asset Value (NAV) of the portfolio, at the end of the reporting period.
RC3
Metrics are reported in:
m2
sq. ft.
Metrics are needed to ensure comparability for benchmarking and reporting purposes. Set the reporting units used by the entity.
Select one of the options, and use it consistently when reporting the floor area of the portfolio.
RC4
What is the entity's core business?
Management of standing investments only (continue with RC5.1, RC5.2, RC6)
Management of standing investments and development of new construction and major renovation projects (continue with RC5.1, RC5.2, RC6, RC-NC1, RC-NC2, RC-NC3)
Development of new construction and major renovation projects (continue with Developer Assessment)
The entity’s primary business activity(ies) during the reporting period is used to determine which GRESB Aspect(s) should be completed.
Developer Assessment: In addition to the GRESB Real Estate Assessment, GRESB offers a stand-alone GRESB Developer Assessment, for companies and fund managers that focus on development activities rather than the management of standing investments. The GRESB Developer Assessment evaluates the ESG performance of companies and funds, focusing on policies, strategies and measures related to new construction and major renovation projects.
Major Renovations: Alterations that affect more than 50 percent of the total building floor area or cause relocation of more than 50 percent of regular building occupants. Major renovation projects refer to buildings that were under construction at any time during the reporting year.
New Construction: Includes all activities to obtain or change building or land use permissions and financing. Includes construction work for the project with the intention of enhancing the property’s value. Development of new buildings and additions to existing buildings that affect usable space can be treated as new constructions. New construction projects refer to buildings that were under construction at any time during the reporting year.
Standing Investments: Real estate properties where construction work has been completed and which are owned for the purpose of leasing and producing rental income. The level of occupancy is not relevant for this definition. Also known as operating buildings.
If you select:
Who should complete the GRESB Developer Assessment?
RC-NC1.1
Describe the composition of the entity’s new construction projects during the reporting period
![[PropertyConstructionTable]](/images/tables/property_construction_table/y2019-d6a0ec29.svg)
Note: The table above defines the scope of your 2019 GRESB submission on development projects and should include new construction projects that are in progress at the end of reporting period, as well as projects that are completed during the reporting period. The reporting scope reported above should exclude vacant land, cash or other non real estate assets owned by the entity.
*GAV either according to fair value or based on construction costs
Describe the entity’s new construction portfolio. This information determines the structure of important elements of the Assessment.
Data Centers: Property used for the purpose of data storage, processing and/or distribution. Examples may include, but are not limited to: telecommunications centers and data storage centers.
Hotel: Includes hotels, motels, youth hostels, lodging, and resorts.
Healthcare: Buildings used for the purpose of primary healthcare. Examples may include, but are not limited to: hospitals, clinics, physical therapy centers and mental health centers.
Industrial, Distribution warehouses: Industrial buildings used for the purpose of storing, processing and distribution of goods to wholesalers, retailers and/or consumers.
Industrial, Manufacturing: Industrial buildings used for the purpose of manufacturing. Otherwise known as a factory or manufacturing plant.
Industrial, Business parks: An industrial business park is an area zoned for the purpose of industrial development, where (light-weight) industrial buildings are grouped together with offices. Examples may include, but are not limited to: industrial estate, trading estate and enterprise zone.
Lodging, Leisure & Recreation: Indoor center used for the purpose of leisure and recreation. Examples may include, but are not limited to: exercise facilities, indoor sports courts, fitness studios, movie theaters, swimming centers and saunas/steam rooms.
Medical office: Examples may include, but are not limited to: offices specifically used for the purpose of medical administration, secondary research or other purposes, exclusive of the property types specified for Healthcare.
New Construction: Includes all activities to obtain or change building or land use permissions and financing. Includes construction work for the project with the intention of enhancing the property’s value. Development of new buildings and additions to existing buildings that affect usable space can be treated as new constructions. New construction projects refer to buildings that were under construction at any time during the reporting year.
Office: Includes free-standing offices, office terraces, unattributed office buildings and office parks.
Operational control: The ability to introduce and implement operating and/or environmental policies and measures.
Other: State the other property type. Possible other answers may include, but are not limited to: kindergarten, community halls. Only use this option if your investments do not fit into any of the options given.
Parking (indoors): Enclosed, indoor vehicle parking facilities, usually consisting of numerous levels for which vehicles are intended to be parked. Otherwise known as multi-story car park, parking building, parking garage, stacked car parking and indoor parking.
Retail, High street: Retail buildings located on the high street in a particular area, usually terraced buildings located in the city centre or other high-traffic pedestrian zones.
Retail, Shopping centers: Enclosed centers for retail purposes. Examples may include, but are not limited to: regional malls and shopping malls.
Retail, Warehouse: Refers to buildings in an un-enclosed retail space, otherwise known as a strip center or strip mall, whereby buildings are usually stand-alone and situated side-by-side with their entrance facing a main street or carpark.
Residential, Multi-family: Refers to multiple residential dwelling spaces contained within one building, otherwise known as a multi-dwelling unit. This includes low-, mid- and high-rise apartment blocks.
Residential, Family homes: Includes both single-family homes and multi-dwelling units not including apartment blocks. A single-family home is a separate, free-standing residential building. A multi-dwelling family home includes those such as two-flats, duplex, semi-detached, and townhouses. Synonyms include: Single-family home, single-detached dwelling, detached house, single-family residence, separate house, free-standing house, townhouse, duplex, condo, semidetached, villa.
Residential, Student housing: Residential buildings used for the purpose of housing students, otherwise known as student apartments, student houses, student residence, student quarters, and student accommodation.
Self-storage: Indoor building or warehouse used for the purpose of self-storage for individuals and/or organizations, otherwise known as self-service storage.
Senior homes: Residential buildings used for the purpose of housing seniors, otherwise known as senior assisted living homes, retirement homes/apartments, retirement villages, old-age homes.
GRESB aims to benchmark participants against other similar property types. If that is not possible, we will group property types defined in “Other” based on their property type characteristics.You must include the whole floor area for all new construction projects, regardless of restrictions on management control resulting from (a) the landlord and tenant relationship or (b) the ownership structure of the entity.
Land (open or containing dormant buildings) is an unoccupied property type which does not meet the operational profile of other property types. Land should therefore be excluded from the reporting scope.
Floor area type: Select the type of floor area used across the portfolio. The floor area type selected will not influence the analysis, as long as it remains consistent throughout the entire Assessment. It is recommended to report on floor areas using the International Property Measurement Standard (IPMS). IPMS aims to establish a globally consistent methodology for property measurement.
GAV: Provide the GAV either according to market value/fair value or based on construction costs.
Note: GAV should be reported in millions.RC-NC1.2
Does the table above list all the entity’s new construction projects as per the reporting requirements described above?
Yes
Provide additional context for the reporting boundaries on new construction projects (maximum 250 words)
________________________
No
Provide additional context for the reporting boundaries on new construction projects (maximum 250 words)
________________________
Provide additional context on the entity’s reporting boundaries.
The floor area reported in RC-NC1.1 must reflect the total size of the investable entity’s new construction projects. It is required to specify and clarify any inconsistencies with the reporting boundary requirements of GRESB in this open text box.
Open text box: The content of this open text box is not used for scoring, but will be included in the Benchmark Report. Participants should use this open text box to communicate on additional information about the reporting boundary
RC-NC2.1
Describe the composition of the entity’s major renovation projects during the reporting period
Note: The table above defines the scope of your 2019 GRESB submission on development projects and should include major renovation projects that are in progress at the end of reporting period, as well as projects that are completed during the reporting period. The reporting scope reported above should exclude vacant land, cash or other non real estate assets owned by the entity.
*GAV either according to fair value or based on construction costs
Describe the entity’s portfolio of major renovation projects. This information determines the structure of important elements of the Assessment.
Data Centers: Property used for the purpose of data storage, processing and/or distribution. Examples may include, but are not limited to: telecommunications centers and data storage centers.
Hotel: Includes hotels, motels, youth hostels, lodging, and resorts.
Healthcare: Buildings used for the purpose of primary healthcare. Examples may include, but are not limited to: hospitals, clinics, physical therapy centers and mental health centers.
Industrial, Distribution warehouses: Industrial buildings used for the purpose of storing, processing and distribution of goods to wholesalers, retailers and/or consumers.
Industrial, Manufacturing: Industrial buildings used for the purpose of manufacturing. Otherwise known as a factory or manufacturing plant.
Industrial, Business parks: An industrial business park is an area zoned for the purpose of industrial development, where (light-weight) industrial buildings are grouped together with offices. Examples may include, but are not limited to: industrial estate, trading estate and enterprise zone.
Land: Land is an un-occupied property type which does not meet the operational profile of other property types. It can be either open land or land containing dormant buildings not in operational use. If the portfolio includes Land as property type, report on it in RC-NC1 and in the New Construction & Major Renovations Aspect.
Lodging, Leisure & Recreation: Indoor center used for the purpose of leisure and recreation. Examples may include, but are not limited to: exercise facilities, indoor sports courts, fitness studios, movie theaters, swimming centers and saunas/steam rooms.
Major Renovations: Alterations that affect more than 50 percent of the total building floor area or cause relocation of more than 50 percent of regular building occupants. Major renovation projects refer to buildings that were under construction at any time during the reporting year.
Medical office: Examples may include, but are not limited to: offices specifically used for the purpose of medical administration, secondary research or other purposes, exclusive of the property types specified for Healthcare.
Office: Includes free-standing offices, office terraces, unattributed office buildings and office parks.
Operational control: The ability to introduce and implement operating and/or environmental policies and measures.
Other: State the other property type. Possible other answers may include, but are not limited to: kindergarten, community halls. Only use this option if your investments do not fit into any of the options given.
Parking (indoors): Enclosed, indoor vehicle parking facilities, usually consisting of numerous levels for which vehicles are intended to be parked. Otherwise known as multi-story car park, parking building, parking garage, stacked car parking and indoor parking.
Retail, High street: Retail buildings located on the high street in a particular area, usually terraced buildings located in the city centre or other high-traffic pedestrian zones.
Retail, Shopping centers: Enclosed centers for retail purposes. Examples may include, but are not limited to: regional malls and shopping malls.
Retail, Warehouse: Refers to buildings in an un-enclosed retail space, otherwise known as a strip center or strip mall, whereby buildings are usually stand-alone and situated side-by-side with their entrance facing a main street or carpark.
Residential, Multi-family: Refers to multiple residential dwelling spaces contained within one building, otherwise known as a multi-dwelling unit. This includes low-, mid- and high-rise apartment blocks.
Residential, Family homes: Includes both single-family homes and multi-dwelling units not including apartment blocks. A single-family home is a separate, free-standing residential building. A multi-dwelling family home includes those such as two-flats, duplex, semi-detached, and townhouses. Synonyms include: Single-family home, single-detached dwelling, detached house, single-family residence, separate house, free-standing house, townhouse, duplex, condo, semidetached, villa.
Residential, Student housing: Residential buildings used for the purpose of housing students, otherwise known as student apartments, student houses, student residence, student quarters, and student accommodation.
Self-storage: Indoor building or warehouse used for the purpose of self-storage for individuals and/or organizations, otherwise known as self-service storage.
Senior homes: Residential buildings used for the purpose of housing seniors, otherwise known as senior assisted living homes, retirement homes/apartments, retirement villages, old-age homes.
GRESB aims to benchmark participants against other similar property types. If that is not possible, we will group property types defined in “Other” based on their property type characteristics.You must include the whole floor area for all major renovation projects, regardless of restrictions on management control resulting from (a) the landlord and tenant relationship or (b) the ownership structure of the entity.
Floor area type: Select the type of floor area used across the portfolio. The floor area type selected will not influence the analysis, as long as it remains consistent throughout the entire Assessment. It is recommended to report on floor areas using the International Property Measurement Standard (IPMS). IPMS aims to establish a globally consistent methodology for property measurement.
GAV: Provide the GAV either according to market value/fair value or based on construction costs.
Note: GAV should be reported in millions.RC-NC2.2
Does the table above list all the entity’s major renovation projects as per the reporting requirements described above?
Yes
Provide additional context for the reporting boundaries on major renovation projects (maximum 250 words)
________________________
No
Provide additional context for the reporting boundaries on major renovation projects (maximum 250 words)
________________________
Provide additional context on the entity’s reporting boundaries.
The floor area reported in RC-NC2.1 must reflect the total size of the investable entity’s major renovation projects. It is required to specify and clarify any inconsistencies with the reporting boundary requirements of GRESB in this open text box.
Open text box: The content of this open text box is not used for scoring, but will be included in the Benchmark Report. Participants should use this open text box to communicate on additional information about the reporting boundary
RC-NC3
Which countries/states are included in the entity’s new construction and/or major renovation projects portfolio?
![[CountryGavTable]](/images/tables/country_gav_table/y2019-001d02db.svg)
Describe the location of the entity’s new construction and/or major renovation projects by country. GRESB scoring uses the information to create country and regional peer groups.
Select the countries in which the entity’s investments are located, using the fraction of total GAV or net operating income (NOI). Use the drop down menu.
ManagementThis Aspect focuses on how the organization integrates ESG into its overall business strategy. The purpose of this section is to (1) identify who in the participant organization is responsible for managing ESG issues and has decision-making authority; (2) communicate to investors how the entity structures management of ESG issues and (3) determine how ESG is embedded into the organization.
MA1
Does the entity have specific ESG objectives?
Yes
The objectives relate to (multiple answers possible)
General sustainability
Environment
Social
Governance
Health and well-being
The objectives are
Fully integrated into the overall business strategy
Partially integrated into the overall business strategy
Not integrated into the overall business strategy
The objectives are
Publicly available
Please provide a hyperlink or a separate publicly available document
or URL____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
Not publicly available
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
Communicate the objectives and explain how the objectives are integrated into the overall business strategy (maximum 250 words)
________________________
No
MA1
2 points , MP, G
Clear Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives help participants identify material issues and integrate them into overall day-to-day management practices. Integrating ESG practices into the overall business strategy fosters alignment between management of sustainability issues and the overall strategy of the organization. It also demonstrates commitment to monitoring ESG objectives and to meeting targets.
Environmental objectives: Overall environmental goal, arising from the environmental policy, that an entity sets itself to achieve. The objectives should be quantifiable and correlated with the entity’s ambitions. In turn, they determine targets, which are detailed performance requirements necessary to achieve the environmental objectives.
ESG objectives: Strategic priorities and key topics for the management and/or improvement of ESG issues.
Fully integrated: Complete alignment between the management of ESG issues and the overall strategy of the entity. A fully integrated strategy incorporates ESG to manage risk and create competitive advantages beyond utility cost savings.
General sustainability objectives: Cross-cutting objectives to improve overall ESG performance, such as relative position on sustainability indices or rankings.
Governance objectives: Objectives to improve entity governance. These can relate to governance structures and composition of the entity and how this relates to economic, environmental and social dimensions, or the entity’s approach to corporate governance issues such as transparency, board composition, or bribery and corruption.
Health and well-being: “Health is a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”(WHO). Health & well-being is impacted by genetics and individual behavior as well as environmental conditions. Particularly relevant to GRESB stakeholders are the social determinants of health, which are the “conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life.” These are the conditions that enable or discourage healthy living. This could include issues such as physical activity, healthy eating, equitable workplaces, maternity and paternity leave, access to healthcare, reduction in toxic exposures, etc.
Not integrated: ESG objectives were set independently from the overall strategy of the entity.
Overall business strategy: The entity’s long-term strategy for meeting its objectives.
Partially integrated: Refers to any level of alignment less than 'fully integrated'.
Social objectives: Objectives to improve absolute or relative on social issues, such as stakeholder engagement or health and well-being.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Evidence: Document upload or hyperlink. The evidence must sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. If a hyperlink is provided, ensure that it is not outdated and the relevant page can be accessed within two steps.
The provided evidence should meet the following criteria:
Open text box: The content of this open text box is not used for scoring, but will be included in the Benchmark Report. Participants should use this open text box to communicate on
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on each of the selected components, the objectives' level of integration into the overall business as well as their public availability.
Open text box: The open text box is not scored and is for reporting purposes only.
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: 5.7, Analysis
SASB (March 2016)-Real Estate Owners, Developers & Investment Trusts: IF0402-05
MA2
Does the organization have one or more persons responsible for implementing the ESG objectives referenced in MA1?
Yes
Select the persons responsible (multiple answers possible)
Dedicated employee(s) for whom sustainability is the core responsibility
Provide the details for the most senior of these employees
Name: ____________
Job title: ____________
E-mail: ____________
LinkedIn profile (optional): ____________
Employee(s) for whom sustainability is among their responsibilities
Provide the details for the most senior of these employees
Name: ____________
Job title: ____________
E-mail: ____________
LinkedIn profile (optional): ____________
External consultants/manager
Name of the organization Service provider
Name of the main contact: ____________
Job title: ____________
E-mail: ____________
LinkedIn profile (optional): ____________
Investment partners (co-investors/JV partners)
Name of the main contact: ____________
Job title: ____________
E-mail: ____________
LinkedIn profile (optional): ____________
No
Not applicable
MA2
3 points , MP, G
The intent of this indicator is to identify resources allocated to sustainability management. Having personnel dedicated to sustainability issues increases the likelihood that the entity’s sustainability objectives will be properly managed and targets will be met.
Dedicated employee(s) for whom sustainability is the core responsibility: The employee(s)’ main responsibility is defining, implementing and monitoring the sustainability objectives at organization and/or entity level.
Employee(s) for whom sustainability is among their responsibilities: The implementation and monitoring of sustainability is part of the employee’s role, but is not necessarily their main responsibility.
ESG objectives: Strategic priorities and key topics for the management and/or improvement of ESG issues.
Investment partners (co-investor/JV partners): A General Partner that co-owns and operates (part of) the entity’s assets and is responsible for implementing ESG objectives at a property level.
Persons responsible: A person or group of people who work on the implementation and completion of the task, project or strategy.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
If you select External Consultants, also state the name of the organization.Details of employee: Participants must provide an e-mail address together with the name and job title of the relevant employee. This information will remain confidential and will only be used for data validation purposes.
Name of the organization: Provide the full name of the organization. You may be asked for additional information about the organization(s). It is possible to report on multiple organizations.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded to each selected responsible party and are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score. It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
Reporting more than one external consultants will not impact scoring; reported answer options in these fields are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
The LinkedIn profiles of the persons responsible for implementing the sustainability objectives are optional fields and do not impact scoring.
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (2016): 102-20
Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures June 2017: Governance A&B
MA3
Does the organization have a sustainability taskforce or committee that is applicable to the entity?
Yes
Select the members of this taskforce or committee (multiple answers possible)
Asset managers
Board of Directors
External consultants
Name of the organization Service provider
Fund/portfolio managers
Property managers
Senior Management Team
Other: ____________
No
MA3
2 points , MP, G
The intent of this indicator is to explore the existence of an internal taskforce focused on sustainability components. The existence of a taskforce focused on sustainability issues demonstrates a structured approach towards integrating sustainability practices across the organization.
Asset manager: A person or group of people responsible for developing and overseeing financial and strategic developments of real estate investments at asset level.
Board of Directors: A body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization as detailed in the corporate charter. Boards normally comprise both executive and non-executive directors.
Fund/portfolio manager: A person or a group who manages a portfolio of real estate investments, and the deployment of investor capital, by creating and implementing asset level strategies, across the entire portfolio.
Property manager: An individual or organization in charge of overseeing day-to-day property operations.
Senior Management Team: A team of individuals who have the day-to-day responsibility of managing the entity/organization. Senior management are sometimes referred to, within corporations, as executive management, executive leadership team, top management, upper management, higher management, or simply seniors.
Sustainability taskforce/committee: A group of individuals who meet, at least four times per year, to discuss and monitor the implementation of the organization’s sustainability objectives.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
If you select External Consultants, also state the name of the organization.Name of the organization: Provide the full name of the organization. You may be asked for additional information about the organization(s). It is possible to report on multiple organizations.
Other: State the other type of member included in the taskforce. Other answers can include individuals (e.g. ESG Manager, IR Manager, HR representative) or groups of individuals (e.g. Product innovation team). It is possible to report on multiple other answers.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded to each selected checkbox option and are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this question.
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (2016): 103-32
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2017: 3.1.5, Responsibilities & Committees
Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures June 2017: Governance A&B
MA4
Does the organization have a senior decision-maker accountable for the entity's sustainability strategy?
Yes
Provide the details for the most senior decision-maker on sustainability issues
Name: ____________
Job title: ____________
E-mail: ____________
LinkedIn profile (optional): ____________
The individual is part of
Board of Directors
Senior Management Team
Fund/portfolio managers
Investment Committee
Other: ____________
Please describe the process of informing the most senior decision-maker on the sustainability performance of the entity (maximum 250 words)
________________________
No
MA4
1 point , MP, G
The presence of senior management dedicated to sustainability increases the likelihood that sustainability objectives will be met. A structured process to keep the most senior decision-maker informed on the entity’s sustainability performance increases accountability and encourages continuous improvement of sustainability performance.
Board of Directors: A body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization as detailed in the corporate charter. Boards normally comprise both executive and non-executive directors.
Fund/portfolio manager: A person or a group who manages a portfolio of real estate investments, and the deployment of investor capital, by creating and implementing asset level strategies, across the entire portfolio.
Investment committee: A group of selected people who establish a formal process to manage the plan’s investment strategy.
Senior decision-maker accountable for sustainability: A senior individual with sign off (approval) authority for approving strategic sustainability objectives and steps undertaken to achieve these objectives. The accountable person can delegate the work to other responsible people who will work on the implementation and completion of the task, project or strategy.
Person accountable: A person with sign off (approval) authority over the deliverable task, project or strategy. The accountable person can delegate the work to other responsible people who will work on the implementation and completion of the task, project or strategy.
Senior Management Team: A team of individuals who have the day-to-day responsibility of managing the entity/organization. Senior management are sometimes referred to, within corporations, as executive management, executive leadership team, top management, upper management, higher management, or simply seniors.
Sustainability strategy: Strategy which (1) sets out the participant’s procedures and (2) sets the direction and guidance for an organization’s implementation of sustainability measures.
Select yes or no. If yes, select one sub-option and optionally, complete the open text box.
Senior decision-maker: The organization’s most senior decision-maker on sustainability is expected to be actively involved in the process of defining the sustainability objectives and should approve associated strategic decisions regarding sustainability. This person can be the same as the individual identified in MA2.
Other: State the other senior decision-maker on sustainability issues.The answer should only refer to the department or governance structure of which the senior decision maker is part of. Include just one other answer.
Details of employee: Participants must provide an e-mail address together with the name and job title of the relevant employee. This information will remain confidential and will only be used for data validation purposes.
Open text box: The content of this open text box is not used for scoring, but will be included in the Benchmark Report. Participants should use this open text box to communicate on
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on the selected decision-maker. It is not possible to select more than one answer option.
Open text box: The open text box is not scored and is for reporting purposes only.
CDP, CC1.1
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (2016): 103-32
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2017: 3.1.5, Responsibilities & Committees
Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures June 2017: Governance A&B
MA5
Does the organization include ESG factors in the annual performance targets of the employees responsible for this entity?
Yes
Does performance on these targets have predetermined consequences?
Yes
Financial consequences
Non-financial consequences
No
Select the employees to whom these factors apply (multiple answers possible):
All employees
Board of Directors
Senior Management Team
Other: ____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
MA5
3 points , MP, G
This indicator intends to identify whether, and how, ESG issues are addressed in employee performance targets. It also identifies how the sustainability-related objectives outlined in MA1 are reflected within the organizational structure. Including sustainability factors in annual performance targets for employees can increase the organization’s capacity to improve sustainability performance.
Annual performance targets: Targets set in annual performance reviews, which are assessments of employee performance.
Board of Directors: A body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization as detailed in the corporate charter. Boards normally comprise both executive and non-executive directors.
ESG Factors: Criteria associated with the entity’s ESG objectives identified in LE2.
Financial consequences: Predetermined monetary benefits incorporated into the employee compensation structures. The financial consequences are contingent upon the achievement of the annual performance targets.
Non-financial consequences: Non-financial benefits (or detriments), such as verbal or written recognition, non-financial rewards or opportunities. The non-financial consequences are contingent upon the achievement of the annual performance targets.
Senior Management Team: A team of individuals who have the day-to-day responsibility of managing the entity/organization. Senior management are sometimes referred to, within corporations, as executive management, executive leadership team, top management, upper management, higher management, or simply seniors.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
This indicator considers only employee performance reviews. Accordingly, if the entity employs a contractor, any review of their performance should not be included in the answer to this indicator.
Other: State the other employee type. Other answers should relate to groups of employees, such as asset managers, property managers, or acquisition teams.
Evidence: Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
The provided evidence should cover the following elements:
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded to each selected group of employees, and whether or not targets have consequences. Points are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field will be validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
The reported answer options are validated based on the provided evidence, and points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2017: 3.1.7, Executive Compensation-Success Metrics and Vesting
Policy & DisclosureThe purpose of this section is to (1) describe the organization’s ESG policies and (2) understand how the organization communicates its ESG performance.
Institutional investors and other shareholders are primary drivers for greater sustainability reporting and disclosure among investable entities. Real estate companies and managers share how ESG policies and management practices are implemented, and how these practices impact the business through formal disclosure mechanisms. This Aspect focuses on the policies established to formally manage and communicate ESG issues to investors.
PD1
Does the organization have a policy/policies in place, applicable to the entity level, that address(es) environmental issues?
Yes
Select all environmental issues included (multiple answers possible)
Biodiversity and habitat
Climate/climate change adaptation
Energy consumption/management
Environmental attributes of building materials
GHG emissions/management
Resilience
Waste management
Water consumption/management
Other: ____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
PD1
3 points , MP, G
The intent of this indicator is to describe the existence and scope of policies that address environmental issues. Policies on environmental issues assist organizations with incorporating sustainability criteria into their business practices.
Biodiversity and habitat: Issues related to wildlife, endangered species, ecosystem services, habitat management, and relevant topics. Biodiversity refers to the variety of all plant and animal species. Habitat refers to the natural environment in which these plant and animal species live and function.
Building safety: Environmental issues with the potential to create or exacerbate risks to human safety, such as structural failure.
Climate change adaptation: Preparation for long-term change in climatic conditions or climate related events. Example of climate change adaptation measures can include, but are not limited to: building flood defenses, xeriscaping and using tree species resistant to storms and fires, adapting building codes to extreme weather events.
Energy consumption/management: Fuel consumption or management of energy from renewable and non-renewable sources.
Environmental attributes of building materials: Life-cycle environmental characteristics of the building materials, such as embodied carbon or water
GHG emissions: GHGs refers to the seven gases listed in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard: carbon dioxide (CO2); methane (CH4); nitrous oxide (N2O); hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); perfluorocarbons (PFCs); nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).
Policy: Defines a commitment, direction or intention as formally adopted by the entity.
Resilience: Preparedness of the built environment towards existing and future climate changes (i.e., the ability to absorb disturbances such as increased precipitation or flooding while maintaining its structure). This can be achieved by management policies, informational technologies, educating tenant, community, suppliers and physical measures at the asset level.
Waste management: Issues associated with hazardous and non-hazardous waste generation, reuse, recycling, composting, recovery, incineration, landfill and on-site storage.
Water consumption/management: Planning, developing, distributing and managing the optimum use of water resources.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Evidence: Document upload is mandatory for this indicator. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question.
Other: State the other environmental issue.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded to each selected checkbox option and are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this question.
The reported answer options are validated based on the provided evidence, and points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1994 Global Reporting Initiative
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: 7.9, Narrative on performance
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (2016): GRI, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307; GRI, 416
PD2
Does the organization have a policy/policies in place, applicable to the entity level, that address(es) social issues?
Yes
Select all social issues included (multiple answers possible)
Child labor
Diversity and equal opportunity
Forced or compulsory labor
Occupational safety (for employees)
Asset level safety (for tenants)
Employee health & well-being
Tenant/customer and community health & well-being
Labor-management relationships
Employee performance and career development
Stakeholder engagement
Worker rights
Other: ____________
or document name____________ and publication date____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
PD2
2 points , MP, G
The intent of this indicator is to describe the existence and scope of policies that address social issues. Policies on social issues assist organizations with incorporating sustainability criteria into their business practices.
Asset level safety (for tenants): Protecting tenants and building visitors from structural characteristics that can cause danger, risk, or injury.
Child labor: Work that children should not be doing because they are too young, or, if they have reached the minimum age, because it is dangerous or otherwise unsuitable for them.
Diversity: Similarities and differences among employees in terms of age, cultural background, physical abilities and disabilities, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
Equal opportunity: The right to be treated without discrimination, including, but not limited to, on the grounds of one‘s sex, race, or age.
Health and well-being: “Health is a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”(WHO). Health & well-being is impacted by genetics and individual behavior as well as environmental conditions. Particularly relevant to GRESB stakeholders are the social determinants of health, which are the “conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life.” These are the conditions that enable or discourage healthy living. This could include issues such as physical activity, healthy eating, equitable workplaces, maternity and paternity leave, access to healthcare, reduction in toxic exposures, etc.
Employee health & well-being: The health & well-being of employees responsible for the entity.
Tenant/customer and community health & well-being: The health & well-being of tenants and customers of the entity as well as the community surrounding the entity’s individual real estate assets.
Forced or compulsory labor: All work or service which is expected from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily.
Labor-management relationships: Set of principles and procedures governing the relationship between management and the labor force.
Occupational safety (for employees): Occupational safety focuses on the primary prevention of hazards within the workplace. This includes the reduction of risk factors at the workplace leading to cancers, accidents, musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory diseases, hearing loss, circulatory diseases, stress related disorders and communicable diseases and others.
Performance and career development: Training, mentoring, reviews, and other processes intended to understand employee performance and guide career development.
Policy: Defines a commitment, direction or intention as formally adopted by the entity.
Stakeholder engagement: Engagement with individuals/entities that have an interest in the entity.
Worker rights: Fundamental principles and rights at work, covering issues such as freedom of association, right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or compulsory labor, the abolition of child labor and the elimination of discrimination with respect to employment and occupation.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Evidence: Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
Other: State the other social issue.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded to each selected checkbox option and are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this question.
The reported answer options are validated based on the provided evidence, and points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: 7.9, Narrative on performance
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (2016): GRI, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307; GRI, 416
ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
World Health OrganizationPD3
Does the organization have a policy/policies in place, applicable to the entity level, that address(es) governance issues?
Yes
Select all governance issues included (multiple answers possible)
Bribery and corruption
Data protection and privacy
Employee remuneration
Executive compensation
Fiduciary duty
Fraud
Political contributions
Shareholder rights
Whistleblower protection
Other: ____________
or document name____________ and publication date____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
PD3
2 points , MP, G
This indicator examines the scope and existence of a governance policy. Policies on governance assist organizations with incorporating the management of governance issues into their business practices. This indicator asks whether a participant has a policy in place. RO1 and RO2 (Risks and Opportunities) ask the participant to explain how that policy is implemented.
Bribery: The offering, giving, receiving or soliciting an item of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal fiduciary duty.
Corruption: Abuse of entrusted power for private gain.
Data protection and privacy: Customer privacy includes matters such as the protection of data; the use of information or data for their original intended purpose only, unless specifically agreed otherwise; the obligation to observe confidentiality; and the protection of information or data from misuse or theft.
Executive compensation: The financial payments and non-monetary benefits provided to high-level management in exchange for their work on behalf of an entity.
Fiduciary duty: Refers to the obligations of loyalty and care in regard to the responsibility of managing someone else’s assets. A fiduciary duty is a position of trust and examples include a duty of confidentiality, a duty of no conflict, and a duty not to profit from his position.
Fraud: Wrongful deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
Governance issues: Governance structure and composition of the entity. This includes how the highest governance body is established and structured in support of the entity’s purpose, and how this purpose relates to economic, environmental and social dimensions.
Policy: Defines a commitment, direction or intention as formally adopted by the entity.
Remuneration: Basic salary plus additional amounts such as those based on years of service, bonuses including cash and equity such as stocks and shares, benefit payments, overtime, time owed, and any additional allowances (such as transportation, living and childcare allowances).
Whistle-blower mechanism: A process that offers protection for individuals that want to reveal illegal, unethical or dangerous practices. An efficient whistle-blower mechanism prescribes clear procedures and channels to facilitate the reporting of wrongdoing and corruption, defines the protected disclosures, outlines the remedies and sanctions for retaliation.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Evidence: Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
Acceptable evidence may include a formal policy that is in place such as a company Policy document, official documents, or other resources describing the entity's governance policies. Reference can be provided, such as bullets or passages within a policy, to describe each selected issue.
Other: State the other governance issue.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded to each selected checkbox option and are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this question.
The reported answer options are validated based on the provided evidence, and points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: 2017: 7.9, Narrative on performance
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (2016): 102-35; 102-37; GRI 205
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2017: 3.1.7
PD4
Does the organization monitor the diversity of the entity’s governance bodies and/or the organization’s employees?
Yes
Diversity of the entity’s governance bodies
Select all diversity metrics (multiple answers possible)
Age group distribution
Board tenure
Gender pay gap
Gender ratio
Percentage of employees that are:
Women: ____________%
Men: ____________%
International background
Racial diversity
Socioeconomic background
Diversity of the organization’s employees
Select all diversity metrics (multiple answers possible)
Age group distribution
Percentage of employees that are:
Under 30 years old: ____________%
Between 30 and 50 years old: ____________%
Over 50 years old: ____________%
Gender pay gap
Gender ratio
Percentage of employees that are:
Women: ____________%
Men: ____________%
International background
Racial diversity
Socioeconomic background
Provide additional context for the response (maximum 250 words)
________________________
No
PD4
Not scored , MP, G
This indicator identifies the metrics used by the organization to monitor diversity at governance and workforce level. Diversity on boards has become a clear priority for investors and is considered to positively impact investment decisions and increases organizational competitiveness.
Age group distribution: Percentage of a population, at each age.
Board tenure: Refers to the period or term of an entity’s board of directors.
Socioeconomic background: Combined measure of sociological and economic background of a person.
Gender ratio: Proportion of one gender to another in a given population.
Gender pay gap: Percentage difference of average hourly earnings between men and women.
Governance body: Committee or board responsible for the strategic guidance of the entity, the effective monitoring of management, and the accountability of management to the broader organization and its stakeholders. Examples of governance bodies may include Board of Directors and Non-Executive Directors.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Open text box: The content of this open text box is not used for scoring, but will be included in the Benchmark Report. Participate should use this open text box to communicate on the following:
This indicator is not scored and is used for reporting purposes only.
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: 5.1, Diversity-Employee gender diversity
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (2016): 102-22
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2017: 3.1.3, Diversity Policy
PD5.1
Does the organization disclose its ESG actions and/or performance?
Yes (multiple answers possible)
Section in Annual Report
Select the applicable reporting level
Entity
Investment manager
Group
or URL____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
Aligned with Guideline name
Stand-alone sustainability report(s)
Select the applicable reporting level
Entity
Investment manager
Group
or URL____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
Aligned with Guideline name
Integrated Report
*Integrated Report must be aligned with IIRC framework
Select the applicable reporting level
Entity
Investment manager
Group
or URL____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
Aligned with Guideline name
Dedicated section on corporate website
Select the applicable reporting level
Entity
Investment manager
Group
URL____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
Section in entity reporting to investors
Aligned with Guideline name
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
Other: ____________
Select the applicable reporting level
Entity
Investment manager
Group
or URL____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
Aligned with Guideline name
No
PD5.1
4 points , MP, G
The intent of this indicator is to assess the level(s) of sustainability disclosure undertaken by the entity. Disclosure of sustainability performance demonstrates an entity’s transparency in explaining how sustainability policies and management practices are implemented by the entity, and how these practices impact the business.
Alignment: To agree and match with a recognized sustainability standard (either voluntary or mandatory).
Annual report: A yearly record of an entity’s financial performance that is distributed to investors under applicable financial reporting regulations.
Dedicated section on corporate website: A section of the entity’s website that explicitly addresses ESG performance.
Disclosure: The act of making information or data readily accessible and available to all interested individuals and institutions. Disclosure must be external and cannot be an internal and/or ad hoc communication within the participating entity.
Entity reporting to investors: A report prepared by the participant for the purpose of informing investors on the ESGperformance of the entity. A summary outlining an entity’s overall approach to ESG that does not contain any analysis of performance (as defined below) is insufficient.
ESG actions: Specific activities performed to improve management of environmental, social and governance issues within the entity.
ESG performance: Reporting of material indicators that reflect implementation of environmental, social, or governance (ESG) management.
Integrated Report: A report that is aligned with the requirements of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) Integrated Reporting Framework (December 2013).
Reporting Level:
Standalone sustainability report: A report dedicated to the entity’s sustainability or ESG performance.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
In all cases:
Evidence: Document upload or hyperlink. The evidence must sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. If a hyperlink is provided, ensure that it is not outdated and the relevant page can be accessed within two steps.
Other: State the other method of reporting. Include just one other answer.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3. Except for Stand-alone sustainability reports and integrated reports, that Stand-alone sustainability reports can also refer to the year prior to the reporting year, and integrated reports can also refer to two years prior to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity and/or organization level.
Points are awarded to each disclosure method based on (1) reporting level, (2) alignment and (3) public availability.
Reporting levels receive the following points: Group, 0.25 points; Investment Manager, 0.5 points; and Entity, 1 point.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring, and it is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
The reported answer options are validated based on the provided evidence, and points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
ANREV Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, 2016
EPRA Best Practice Recommendations in Sustainability Reporting
September 2017 GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, 2016: 202-1; 205-3; 308-2
308-2 IIRC Integrated Reporting Framework, 2013
INREV Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, 2016
PD5.2
Does the organization have an independent third party review of its ESG disclosure?
Yes
Select all applicable options (multiple answers possible, selections must match answers in PD5.1)
Section in Annual Report
Externally checked by Service provider
Externally verified by Service provider
using Scheme name
Externally assured by Service provider
using Scheme name
Stand-alone sustainability report
Externally checked by Service provider
Externally verified by Service provider
using Scheme name
Externally assured by Service provider
using Scheme name
Integrated Report
Externally checked by Service provider
Externally verified by Service provider
using Scheme name
Externally assured by Service provider
using Scheme name
Section in entity reporting to investors
Externally checked by Service provider
Externally verified by Service provider
using Scheme name
Externally assured by Service provider
using Scheme name
Other: ____________
Externally checked by Service provider
Externally verified by Service provider
using Scheme name
Externally assured by Service provider
using Scheme name
No
Not applicable
PD5.2
2 points , MP, G
The purpose of this indicator is to assess the entity’s use of third-party, review to ensure the reliability, integrity and accuracy of ESG disclosure.
ESG-related information is essential to the evaluation of investments’ performance. Third-party review on sustainability disclosure help investors confirm the information disclosed.
Assured/Verified: The process of checking data, as well as its collection methods and management systems, through a systematic, independent and documented process against predefined criteria or standards. Assurance/Verification services should be in line with a standard and can only be provided by accredited professionals.
Checked: A third-party review that does not comply with the definition of Assurance/Verification.
Respond for all methods of reporting selected in PD5.1. For each disclosure:
Other: State the other method of reporting. Include just one other answer, which must match the answer provided in PD5.1
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3. Except Stand-alone sustainability reports and integrated reports, that which Stand-alone sustainability reports can also refer to the year prior to the reporting year, and integrated reports can also refer to two years prior to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity and/or organization level.
Points are awarded based on the level of review of the reported disclosure methods.
PD5.2 is linked to PD5.1. The selections of disclosure methods in both questions must match, otherwise the answer in PD5.2 will not be considered valid. Evidence provided in PD5.1 will be used to validate this indicator; therefore, the evidence in PD5.1 should also include confirmation of the existence and type of third-party review.
The reported answer options are validated based on the provided evidence, and points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
GRESB’s accepted assurance and verification standards as well as criteria for accepted standards are aligned with the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: 5.4, Third party assurance
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2017: 4.1.2, Assurance
PD6
Has the organization made a public commitment to ESG leadership standards or groups that applies to investments in this entity?
Yes
Select all issues included (multiple answers possible)
Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC)
Montreal Pledge
PRI signatory
RE 100
Science Based Targets initiative
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative
UN Global Compact
Other: ____________
Please provide applicable hyperlink
URL____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
PD6
Not scored , MP, G
This indicator intends to identify public commitments made by the organization. A public commitment to sustainability through externally recognized initiatives contributes to the organization’s credibility and strengthens investor confidence.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Evidence: Hyperlink is mandatory for this indicator. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. Ensure that the hyperlink is not outdated and the relevant page can be accessed within two steps.
To qualify as valid supporting evidence, the URL must demonstrate the existence of publicly available commitment to ESG leadership relating to each of the issues selected.
Other: State the other public commitment. It is possible to report multiple other answers.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity and/or organization level.
This indicator is not scored and is used for reporting purposes only.
PD7.1
Does the entity have a process to communicate about ESG-related misconduct, penalties, incidents or accidents?
Yes
The entity would communicate misconduct, penalties, incidents or accidents to:
Investors
Public
Other stakeholders: ____________
Describe the process (maximum 250 words): ____________
No
PD7.1
Not scored , MP, G
This indicator intends to identify whether the reporting entity has a defined process in place to communicate any ESG-related misconducts to its stakeholders if the entity has incurred any environment, social or governance fines and/or penalties at its investment properties or elsewhere.
ESG fines and/or penalties: Sanctions resulting from an illegal act or non-compliant behavior, which directly harms the environment and/or stakeholders of the entity.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Other: State the other stakeholder groups. It is possible to add multiple other answers.
Open text box: The content of this open text box is not used for scoring, but will be included in the Benchmark Report. Participants should use this open text box to communicate on the process the reporting entity intends to follow in order to communicate any ESG-related misconducts to its stakeholders.
This indicator is not scored and is used for reporting purposes only.
*The information in PD7.1 and PD7.2 may be used as criteria for the recognition of 2018 Sector Leaders.GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards, 2016: 102-17, Mechanisms for advice and concerns about ethics
CDP Reporting Guidelines, Compliance
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment, 2017: 3.3.6, Report on breaches
PD7.2
Has the entity been involved in any ESG-related misconduct, penalties, incidents or accidents in the reporting year?
Yes
Specify the total number of cases imposed: ____________
Specify the total value of fines and/or penalties resulting from these cases
________________________
Provide additional context for the response (maximum 250 words)
________________________
No
* The information in PD7.1 and PD7.2 may be used as criteria for the recognition of 2019 Sector Leaders
PD7.2
Not scored , MP, G
This indicator intends to ensure the communication of any environmental fines and/or penalties to the reporting entity’s investor. Recurring misconducts and penalties can increase the risk profile of the portfolio as they impose financial, management and regulatory burdens on the entity.
ESG fines and/or penalties: Sanctions resulting from an illegal act or non-compliant behavior, which directly harms the environment and/or stakeholders of the entity.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Open text box: The content of this open text box is not used for scoring, but will be included in the Benchmark Report. Participants should use this open text box to communicate on how the entity has resolved or intends to resolve the above issue(s).
This indicator is not scored and is used for reporting purposes only.
*The information in PD7.1 and PD7.2 may be used as criteria for the recognition of 2019 Sector Leaders.GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards, 2016: 205-3; 419-1
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: 2017: 5.8, H&S
This Aspect investigates the steps undertaken by organizations to stay abreast of sustainability risks related to bribery and corruption, climate change, environmental legislation, market risks and other material sustainability risks. This Aspect also describes the processes the entity uses to support ESG implementation via the use of an Environmental Management System (EMS).
RE1
Does the organization have systems and procedures in place to facilitate effective implementation of the governance policy/policies in PD3?
Yes
Select all applicable options (multiple answers possible)
Investment due diligence process
Training related to governance risks for employees (multiple answers possible)
Regular follow-ups
When an employee joins the organization
Whistle-blower mechanism
Other: ____________
or document name____________ and publication date____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
Not applicable
RE1
1 point , IM, G
This indicator examines specific actions taken to limit exposure to governance-related risks. It is linked to PD3 in Policy & Disclosure, and refers to the implementation of the policy that addresses risks from exposure to governance issues (as defined in PD3).
Governance risks for employees: Examples can include, but are not limited to: bribery and corruption risks, insider trading, sharing of confidential information.
Investment due diligence process: A systematic process to collect and interpret information about a prospective investment.
Regular follow-ups: Training offered at least once a year to employees, starting from their second year of employment.
Employee training on governance risks: Employee training ensures that employees understand and adhere to the laws, regulations and internal corporate policies that apply to their daily roles is essential to ensuring that compliance regulations are met in the workplace.
Whistle-blower mechanism: A process that offers protection for individuals that want to reveal illegal, unethical or dangerous practices. An efficient whistle-blower mechanism prescribes clear procedures and channels to facilitate the reporting of wrongdoing and corruption, defines the protected disclosures, outlines the remedies and sanctions for retaliation.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Evidence: Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
The provided evidence should cover the following elements:
Examples of supporting evidence may include an excerpt from the organization’s policy manual, example of formal update sent by the organization’s general counsel, due diligence checklists, employee training slides, or a signed letter of verification from a third party.
A sign-off from employee on the Code of Conduct is not considered valid evidence for formal employee training.
Other: State the other system or procedure in place. It is possible to report multiple other answers.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at organization level.
Points are awarded to each selected checkbox option and are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this question.
The reported answer options are validated based on the provided evidence, and points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
OECD Cleangovbiz, “Whistleblower protection: encouraging reporting”, 2012
RE2
Did the entity perform entity-level governance and/or social risk assessments within the last three years?
Yes
Select all issues included (multiple answers possible)
Bribery and corruption
Child labor
Diversity and equal opportunity
Executive compensation
Forced or compulsory labor
Labor-management relationships
Shareholder rights
Worker rights
Other: ____________
or document name____________ and publication date____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
RE2
2 points , IM, G
This indicator is intended to describe the variables included the entity’s governance and/or social risk assessments. Risk assessments refer to the identification and quantification of processes, systems and/or scenarios that could potentially cause harm to the entity and its underlying investors. It is important that organizations monitor their exposure to governance-related risks, as these can negatively impact reputation and expose the entity to civil and criminal penalties.
RO2 asks whether certain governance and/or social issues are assessed in a risk assessment by the entity, which is different from social and governance policies (PD2 and PD3).
Bribery: The offering, giving, receiving or soliciting an item of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal fiduciary duty.
Corruption: Abuse of entrusted power for private gain.
Child labor: Work that children should not be doing because they are too young, or, if they have reached the minimum age, because it is dangerous or otherwise unsuitable for them.
Diversity: Similarities and differences among employees in terms of age, cultural background, physical abilities and disabilities, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
Equal opportunity: The right to be treated without discrimination, including, but not limited to, on the grounds of one‘s sex, race, or age.
Executive compensation: The financial payments and non-monetary benefits provided to high-level management in exchange for their work on behalf of an entity.
Forced or compulsory labor: All work or service which is expected from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily.
Labor-management relationships: Set of principles and procedures governing the relationship between management and the labor force.
Risk assessment: Careful examination of the factors that could potentially adversely impact the value or longevity of a real estate asset. The results of the assessment assist in identifying measures that have to be implemented in order to prevent and mitigate the risks.
Shareholder rights: Can include the right to share in the company's profitability, income, and assets; a proxy statement; a degree of control and influence over company management selection; preemptive rights to newly issued shares; and general meeting voting rights.
Worker rights: Fundamental principles and rights at work, covering issues such as freedom of association, right to collective bargaining, the elimination of forced or compulsory labor, the abolition of child labor and the elimination of discrimination with respect to employment and occupation.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Evidence: Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
The provided evidence should cover the following elements:
Examples of supporting evidence may include an excerpt from the organization’s policy manual, example of formal update sent by the organization’s general counsel, or a signed letter of verification from a third party.
Example of supporting evidence for “child labor”: signed statement describing the assessment of risks of modern slavery and child labor within your own business and across your supply chain (or a sample of suppliers).
Other: State the other governance issue.
It is possible to report multiple other answers.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded to each selected checkbox option and are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this question.
The reported answer options are validated based on the provided evidence, and points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2017: 5.2.3, Human rights-assessment
RE3
Does the entity perform asset-level environmental and/or social risk assessments as a standard part of its due diligence process for new acquisitions?
Yes
Select all issues included (multiple answers possible)
Building safety and materials
Climate change adaptation
Contamination
Energy efficiency
Energy supply
Flooding
GHG emissions
Health and well-being
Indoor environmental quality
Natural hazards
Regulatory
Resilience
Socio-economic
Transportation
Water efficiency
Waste management
Water supply
Other: ____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
Not applicable
RE3
2 points , IM, E
The intent of this indicator is to identify if the entity performs asset-level environmental and/or social assessments as a standard part of the due diligence process for new acquisitions.
Risk assessments help to reduce exposure to long-term sustainability risks. Integration of sustainability risk assessments into the acquisition process demonstrate a commitment to ESG management, a focus on mitigating risks that might impact returns, and a forward-looking approach to the development of the portfolio.
Building safety and materials: Assessment to identify potential hazards resulting, for example, from vulnerabilities caused by the construction materials used, major structural flaws or the presence of asbestos.
Climate change adaptation: Preparation for long-term change in climatic conditions or climate related events. Example of climate change adaptation measures can include, but are not limited to: building flood defenses, xeriscaping and using tree species resistant to storms and fires, adapting building codes to extreme weather events.
Contamination: Land and groundwater pollution which may require action to reduce risk to people or the environment. As an example, contamination can be assessed through a Phase I or II Environmental Site Assessment.
Due diligence process: The process through which a potential acquirer evaluates a target asset for an acquisition, contributing to well-informed investment decision-making.
Energy efficiency: Refers to products or systems using less energy to provide the same consumer benefit.
Energy supply: Availability of conventional power (generated by the combustion of fuels: coal, natural gas, oil) or renewable energy (e.g. sun, wind, water, organic plant and waste material).
Environmental risks: Impact on living and non-living natural systems, including land, air, water and ecosystems. This includes, but is not limited to biodiversity, transport and product and service-related impacts, as well as environmental compliance and expenditures.
GHG emissions: GHGs refers to the seven gases listed in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard: carbon dioxide (CO2); methane (CH4); nitrous oxide (N2O); hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); perfluorocarbons (PFCs); nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).
Health and well-being: “Health is a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”(WHO). Health & well-being is impacted by genetics and individual behavior as well as environmental conditions. Particularly relevant to GRESB stakeholders are the social determinants of health, which are the “conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life.” These are the conditions that enable or discourage healthy living. This could include issues such as physical activity, healthy eating, equitable workplaces, maternity and paternity leave, access to healthcare, reduction in toxic exposures, etc.
A risk assessment on health and well-being might address only one or both of these topics, and could include assessments of risks associated with employees, customers, surrounding communities or all of the above.
Indoor environmental quality: Refers to the conditions inside the building. It includes air quality, access to daylight and views, pleasant acoustic conditions and occupant control over lighting and thermal comfort.
Natural hazards: Naturally occurring hazards, including but not limited to flooding, drought, hail storms, earthquakes and fire (including wildfire).
Regulatory risks: Examples include, but are not limited to: mandatory energy/carbon disclosure schemes, changes in taxes e.g. carbon tax, extreme volatility in energy prices due to regulation, zoning.
Resilience: Preparedness of the built environment towards existing and future climate changes (i.e., the ability to absorb disturbances such as increased precipitation or flooding while maintaining its structure). This can be achieved by management policies, informational technologies, educating tenant, community, suppliers and physical measures at the asset level.
Risk assessment: Careful examination of the factors that could potentially adversely impact the value or longevity of a real estate asset. The results of the assessment assist in identifying measures that have to be implemented in order to prevent and mitigate the risks.
Socio-economic risks: Impact on social well-being, livelihoods and prosperity of local communities and individuals. Examples include: economic/political instability, vulnerability to pandemics and epidemics, crime and vandalism, and the displacement of people.
Transportation risks: Risks associated with transportation around the location of a building in relation to pedestrian, bicycle and mass-transit networks, in context of the existing infrastructure and amenities in the surrounding area.
Water efficiency: Refers to the conservative use of water resources through water-saving technologies to reduce consumption.
Water supply: Provision of surface water, groundwater, rainwater collected directly or stored by the entity, waste water from another organization, municipal water supplies or other water utilities, usually via a system of pumps and pipes.
Waste management: Issues associated with hazardous and non-hazardous waste generation, reuse, recycling, composting, recovery, incineration, landfill and on-site storage.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Evidence: Document upload is mandatory for this indicator. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question.
The provided evidence should cover the following elements:
Examples of valid evidence may include: (1) a standard risk assessment template document that was completed by the entity during the acquisitions process, (2) proof of a risk assessment being performed during the reporting period or (3) standard requirements for performing environmental and/or social risk assessments within the entity’s acquisition process protocol.
Other: State the other risk factor assessed.
It is possible to report multiple other answers.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded to each selected checkbox option and are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this question.
The reported answer options are validated based on the provided evidence, and points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
World Economic Forum, Global Risks, 2014 Environment Agency, Groundwater protection: Principles and practice, 2013
SASB-Real Estate Owners, Developers & Investment Trusts (March 2016): IF0402-05; IF0402-09; IF0402-14
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2017: 3.2.2 Risk Correlation
Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures June 2017: Strategy A&B; Risk Management A&B
RE4
Does the organization have an Environmental Management System (EMS) that applies to the entity level?
Yes
The EMS is aligned with a standard
ISO 14001
EMAS (EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme)
Other: ____________
The EMS is externally certified by an independent third party
Name of the organization Service provider
ISO 14001
EMAS (EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme)
Other: ____________
The EMS is not aligned with a standard nor certified externally
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
RE4
3 points , MP, G
The intent of this indicator is to assess the entity’s use of a systematic process to manage environmental impacts, risks and opportunities.
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is an internal framework that structures all procedures, projects and tactics into a cohesive program which aligns the sustainability efforts at entity or organization level. An EMS can assist organizations in managing and improving their environmental performance, complying with environmental laws and regulations, identifying financial savings through more efficient operating practices, and improving the standing of the business with staff, client companies, partner organizations and other stakeholders.
Use of an aligned or certified EMS framework provides assurance to both the business and external stakeholders that environmental impacts are measured and acted upon using a recognized and proven methodology. Periodic reviews of the EMS ensure its continuing suitability and effectiveness for the organization.
Alignment: To agree and match with a recognized sustainability standard (either voluntary or mandatory).
Certified: Third-party recognition of meeting the requirements of a recognized standard.
Environmental Management System (EMS): A framework for managing an entity’s environmental impact based on its sustainability and related objectives. An EMS provides a practical framework for the assessment of environmental impacts, establishment of impact reduction targets, and the development of plans to achieve targeted reductions. An EMS enables an entity to take a structured approach to planning and implementing environmental protection measures.
An effective EMS is analogous to a financial management system that monitors expenditure and income to support analysis of financial performance. An EMS can cover a wide range of environmental topics, including, but not limited to: energy, GHG emissions, water, waste, transportation, climate change, resilience, risks, and materials. It can also refer to a wide variety of internal procedures, targets, persons responsible for implementing these procedures and working towards achieving the entity’s objectives. In summary, an EMS is used to formalize the strategic approach of the entity towards ESG. It outlines the structure used to monitor and manage environmental topics.
An important distinction needs to be made between an EMS and an EnMS. Unlike an EMS, an EnMS (Energy Management System) only covers energy, energy efficiency and conservation, energy management and performance. The most commonly used standard for implementing an EnMS is ISO 50001. An EnMS does not qualify as a valid answer for the purposes of this indicator.ISO 14001 Alignment: ISO 14001 defines a complete EMS to include four stages:
The process above provides an example of an EMS outline with the stages and elements included. The EMS, and therefore the supporting evidence, does not necessarily have to be structured according the ISO recommendations, nor does it have to include all suggested elements for each stage. While adherence to ISO 14001 is not required, the reported EMS must support the purpose identified in ISO 14001 and provide comparable functionality.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Complete the additional information requested, and provide supporting evidence.Aligned: Report the recognized standard used for the alignment of the EMS.
Externally certified: Provide the name of the organization responsible for certifying the EMS using a recognized standard, as well as the name of the recognized standard applied.
GRESB requires certification to be undertaken by a third party and not by the participant. EMS certification may only be obtained for one (or more) of the main standards/schemes, for example ISO14001.
Note that aligning or certifying individual sections of the EMS does not comply with the requirements of this indicator and does not constitute a valid answer.
Evidence: Document upload is mandatory for this indicator. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question.
To qualify as valid, the evidence provided must include:
A fully accepted evidence must cover at least one elements from each of the four Plan - Do - Act - Check stages.
Energy Management Systems (EnMS): An EnMS only covers energy issues and is not considered an EMS, and as such not accepted as evidence for this indicator.
If the EMS is aligned with a standard, the evidence must include the name the standard used for alignment and define the degree of alignment with the standard. Elements of the EMS that align with the standard can be summarized, called out, highlighted, or shown in a diagram.
If the EMS is externally certified by and independent third party, the evidence should include signed proof of the certification according to the standard, which must be named within the evidence, as well as contact information of the independent third party involved and the date of the most recent certification.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity and/or organization level.
Points are awarded based on (1) the existence of an EMS, (2) alignment or external certification with valid name of the organization that certified the EMS, if applicable. Points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
Full points will be awarded only if the evidence covers at least one element from each of the four stages outlined above, or is considered to comprehensively cover comparable stages, with proof of implementation.
LEED BD+C: Core and Shell, v4, Sustainable Sites; Water efficiency; Energy & Atmosphere; Material & resources; and Indoor Environmental Quality BREEAM In-Use International, Asset Performance; and Building Management
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
ISO 14004:2015 Environmental management systems – general guidelines on principles, systems and support techniques
Stakeholder EngagementThis Aspect focuses on engagement with employees, tenants, direct third-party suppliers and the community. Improving the sustainability performance of a real estate portfolio requires dedicated resources, a commitment from senior management and tools for measurement/management of resource consumption. It also requires the cooperation of other stakeholders, including tenants, suppliers, a participant’s workforce and the local community. The Aspect identifies actions taken to engage with those stakeholders and to characterize the nature of the engagement.
| Employees |
Employees are key stakeholders in any business. Organizations can make use of sustainability reporting metrics to boost employee engagement, motivation, recruitment and retention of talent, work-life balance, teamwork and leadership development. Employee engagement may also contribute to the successful implementation of sustainability best practices across the organization. Furthermore, proper understanding of workplace-related ESG issues, and how these issues are reported, will help the organization with its branding as an employer. Note: There are situations where the entity benefits from services performed by employees of an investment manager under an exclusive investment management agreement. The individuals are wholly responsible for investment and portfolio management (including sustainability) of the participating entity's property assets, and has wide discretionary powers for day to day management of these investments (which include supervisory management powers over third party property managers). When these situations occur, you can refer to the employees of the investment manager as the employees of the reporting entity. |
| Suppliers |
These indicators have the purpose of comparing the entity’s management of ESG-related issues in its material and service supply chain. Negative supply chain-related ESG issues can pose a reputational risk, and can also put purchasing and contracting strategies at risk. Property companies and fund managers are in a strong position to influence the behavior of external property/asset managers and/or other external suppliers with regard to ESG issues. |
SE1
Does the organization provide regular trainings for the employees responsible for the entity?
Yes
Percentage of employees who received professional training in 2018
________________________
Percentage of employees who received sustainability-specific training in 2018
________________________
Sustainability-specific training focuses on the following elements (multiple answers possible)
Training topics on environmental issues
Contamination
Greenhouse gas emissions
Energy
Natural hazards
Regulatory standards
Supply chain environmental impacts
Waste
Water
Other: ____________
Training topics on social issues
Community social and economic impacts
Safety
Community safety
Customer / tenant safety
Employee safety
Supply chain safety
Health and well-being
Community health and well-being
Customer / tenant health and well-being
Employee health and well-being
Supply chain health and well-being
Other: ____________
No
SE1
2 points , IM, S
The intent of this indicator is to examine the types and content of training received by employees responsible for this entity. A more skilled and aware workforce enhances the organization’s human capital and may help to improve employee satisfaction. Both elements contribute to improved business performance.
Community health and well-being: Training related to the promotion of stakeholder health and well-being in surrounding neighborhoods.
Community safety: Training related to the prevention of harm to stakeholder communities in surrounding neighborhoods.
Community social and economic impacts: Training related to the social and economic dimensions of stakeholder communities in surrounding neighborhoods.
Contamination: Land and groundwater pollution which may require action to reduce risk to people or the environment. As an example, contamination can be assessed through a Phase I or II Environmental Site Assessment.
Employee(s): The entity’s employees whose primary responsibilities include the operation or support of the entity.
Environmental issues: The impact on living and non-living natural systems, including land, air, water and ecosystems. This includes, but is not limited to biodiversity, transport, contamination, GHG emissions, energy, water, waste, natural hazards, supply chain environmental standards, and product and service-related impacts, as well as environmental compliance and expenditures.
Energy efficiency: Refers to products or systems using less energy to provide the same consumer benefit.
GHG emissions: GHGs refers to the seven gases listed in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard: carbon dioxide (CO2); methane (CH4); nitrous oxide (N2O); hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); perfluorocarbons (PFCs); nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).
Natural hazards: Naturally occurring hazards, including but not limited to flooding, drought, hail storms, earthquakes and fire (including wildfire).
Professional training: Training related to day-to-day operations, health and safety, specialization career development courses, or related/similar topics. Training can be delivered in person, online or in other formats.
Regulatory standards: Training on (mandatory) energy/carbon disclosure schemes or other environment-related regulatory standards, at either local or global level.
Regular training: Occurs at least once every two years.
Social issues: Concerns the impacts the entity has on the social systems within which it operates. This includes, but is not limited to community social and economic impacts, safety, health & well-being.
Sustainability-specific training: Training related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.
Waste management: Issues associated with hazardous and non-hazardous waste generation, reuse, recycling, composting, recovery, incineration, landfill and on-site storage.
Water efficiency: Refers to the conservative use of water resources through water-saving technologies to reduce consumption.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Percentage of employees covered: The percentage of employees covered based on headcount for employees responsible for the entity (see example). If the number of employees responsible for the entity changed during the reporting period, calculate the percentage based on the average number.
Training topics: Select the applicable training topics included in the training series during the reporting year or the year prior to that.
Other: State the environmental or social training topic(s). It is possible to report multiple other answers.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at organization level.
Both percentages should be calculated based on the following formulas:
Number of employees receiving training / Total number of employees x 100%
Number of employees receiving sustainability specific training / Total number of employees x 100%
Points are awarded based on (1) the type of training and (2) percentage of employees who received training. The training topics are not scored and are used for reporting purposes only.
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: 5.3, Employee Training and development
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2017: 3.3.2, Coverage
SE2.1
Has the organization undertaken an employee satisfaction survey during the last three years?
Yes
The survey is undertaken (multiple answers possible)
Internally
Percentage of employees covered: ____________%
Survey response rate: ____________%
By an independent third party
Percentage of employees covered: ____________%
Name of the organization Service provider
Survey response rate: ____________%
or document name____________ and publication date____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
The survey includes quantitative metrics
Yes
Metrics include
Net Promoter Score
Overall satisfaction score
Other: ____________
No
No
SE2.1
1.5 points , IM, S
This indicator is intended to show action taken to understand employee satisfaction. Employee satisfaction surveys help organizations understand critical issues within the business, engage with their staff and increase employee satisfaction, which may contribute to improving retention rates and overall productivity.
Using widely applied employee satisfaction surveys should be translated into easily interpretable metrics can help analyze and compare the outcomes, despite the many variations between firms.
Employee(s): The entity’s employees whose primary responsibilities include the operation or support of the entity.
Employee satisfaction survey: Survey measuring overall and work-specific employee satisfaction at the individual and entity levels. The survey should directly address employee concerns and include the opportunity to provide recommendations for improvement.
Net promoter score: The Net Promoter Score ® (NPS) is a customer loyalty metric developed by Bain & Company, Fred Reichheld, and Satmetrix. It divides customers, tenants or employees into three segments: passives, detractors and promoters, using the following question “On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely would you be to recommend this company (or this product) to friends and colleagues?” The Net Promoter Score ® (NPS) ratings of 9 or 10 indicate promoters; 7 and 8, passives; and 0 through 6, detractors. The NPS is the percentage of promoters minus the percentage detractors.
Overall satisfaction score: An overarching metric in a satisfaction survey, with no prescribed scale, that measures how happy an employee or tenant is with the entity, lease, and/or services provided. The industry best practice is a 1-5 scale - very poor, poor, average, good, and excellent, respectively.
Quantitative metric: Any measure or parameter in employee or tenant satisfaction that can be represented numerically.
Survey response rate: The proportion of substantially complete survey responses received as a percentage of the total number of employees or tenants invited to participate.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Percentage of employees covered: The percentage of employees covered based on headcount for employees responsible for the entity (see example). If the number of employees responsible for the entity changed during the reporting period, calculate the percentage based on the average number.
Survey response rate: Report the proportion of employees that received and completed the survey, compared to the total number of employees that have received the survey expressed as a percentage (see example).
Name of the organization: Provide the full name of the organization. You may be asked for additional information about the organization(s). It is possible to report on multiple organizations.
Evidence: Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
The evidence should indicate that the survey was conducted. It can be a sample survey or survey results reports with aggregated feedback.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at organization level.
Percentage of employees covered = Number of employees receiving the satisfaction survey / Total number of employees x 100%
Survey response rate = Number of individual surveys submitted / Number of employees receiving the satisfaction survey x 100%
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options, and (2) percentage of employees covered. The survey response rate and the quantitative metrics sub-indicator are not scored.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator. Reporting multiple names of organizations will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
The reported answer options are validated based on the provided evidence, and points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards, 2016: 102-43, Approach to stakeholder engagement
Bain & Company, Introducing: The Net Promoter System®
SE2.2
Does the organization have a program in place to improve its employee satisfaction based on the outcomes of the survey referred to in SE2.1?
Yes
Select all applicable options (multiple answers possible)
Development of action plan
Feedback sessions with Senior Management Team
Feedback sessions with separate teams/departments
Focus groups
Other: ____________
No
Not applicable
SE2.2
1 point , IM, S
The intent of this indicator is to evaluate a firm’s response to the outcomes of an employee satisfaction survey. Proactive responses demonstrate commitment to the employee engagement process and to developing, maintaining and enhancing employee satisfaction.
Action plan: A detailed plan outlining actions needed to enhance tenant satisfaction. An action plan has three major elements (1) Specific tasks: what will be done and by whom; (2) Time horizon: when will it be done; (3) Resource allocation: what specific funds are available for specific activities, and (4) Measurable outcomes.
Employee(s): The entity’s employees whose primary responsibilities include the operation or support of the entity.
Focus groups: Working groups established to, in this context, focus on improving employee satisfaction.
Senior Management Team: A team of individuals who have the day-to-day responsibility of managing the entity/organization. Senior management are sometimes referred to, within corporations, as executive management, executive leadership team, top management, upper management, higher management, or simply seniors.
Separate teams/departments: Representatives from different departments and disciplines within the entity.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Other: State measures/activities that were part of the program. It is possible to report multiple other answers.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at organization level.
Points are awarded to each selected checkbox option and are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this question.
SE3
Has the organization monitored conditions for and/or tracked indicators of employee safety during the last three years?
Yes
Select all applicable options (multiple answers possible)
Work station and/or workplace checks
Percentage of employees: ____________%
Absentee rate: ____________
Injury rate: ____________
Lost day rate: ____________
Other metrics: ____________
Rate of other metric(s): ____________
Explain the employee occupational safety indicators calculation method (maximum 250 words)
________________________
No
SE3.2
0.5 points , IM, S
Absentee rate: A measure of absenteeism expressed as a percentage of total days scheduled to be worked by the workforce during the reporting year.
Employee(s): The entity’s employees whose primary responsibilities include the operation or support of the entity.
Injury rate: A measure of the total number of instances of being injured, (including occupational diseases and occupational disabilities, and fatalities) arising from operations expressed as a percentage of total number of employees.
Lost day rate: A measure of the impact of occupational accidents and diseases as reflected in time off work by the affected workers. It is expressed by comparing the total workdays lost due to occupational injury to the total number of hours scheduled to be worked by the workforce during the reporting year.
Reporting on health and safety indicators: Records of employee health and safety.
Workstation checks: Assessment of employee workstations (immediate working environment including desks, IT and other office equipment) performed to monitor compliance with health and safety requirements. The checks can either be performed internally or by independent third parties.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Open text box: It is mandatory to use the open text box to explain the applied calculation method/formula and monitoring scope of each of the selected metrics. The calculations should cover events arising from on-site operations, building maintenance and employees commuting to and from their workplace. Response provided in this open text-box used for scoring.
Construction works related metrics: Injuries and fatalities (including third-party workers, visitors, members of the public) that occur during construction or major renovation projects should be reported in the New Construction & Major Renovations Aspect (NC 12.2).
Other metrics: State the other indicator monitored. It is possible to report multiple other answers. Other indicators can include the occupational disease rate (ODR), near miss rate, presenteeism rate, and fatalities, but should not include answers provided in the New Construction & Major Renovations section (NC 12.2).
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at organization level.
Points are awarded based on the number of health-related indicators monitored and/or tracked, contingent upon the validity of the explanation of the applied calculation method/formula provided in the open text box.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment, 2017: 3.5.2, Risk Culture
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards, 2016: 403-2
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: 5.6 H&S-Employee Health and Safety
SE4.1
Does the entity include ESG-specific requirements in procurement processes to drive sustainable procurement?
Yes
Select all issues covered by procurement processes (multiple answers possible)
Business ethics
Environmental process standards
Environmental product standards
Human rights
Human health-based product standards
Occupational safety
Health and well-being
ESG-specific requirements for sub-contractors
Other: ____________
Select the external parties to whom the requirements apply (multiple answers possible)
Contractors
Property/asset managers
Suppliers
Supply chain (beyond 1 tier suppliers and contractors)
Other: ____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
Not applicable
SE4.1
3 points , MP, G
This Indicator is intended to describe the management practices and requirements the entity uses to manage supply chain risks. The procurement process is an effective way to integrate the organization’s sustainability-specific requirements into their supply chain. This indicator applies to existing and new contracts.
Business Ethics: Basic moral and legal principles used to address issues such as corporate governance, insider trading, bribery, discrimination, corporate social responsibility and fiduciary responsibilities.
Environmental process standards: Minimum standards required during the procurement process in relation to environmental processes, such as requirements for disposal of waste generated by contractors.
Environmental product standards: Minimum standards required during the procurement process in relation to environmental products, such as requiring a certain percentage of products to be locally sourced or contain recycled content.
ESG-specific requirements for sub-contractors: Refers to any ESG-related requirements that the company or fund has included in its contracts with its sub-contractors, including specification and use of sustainable materials, systems, processes and operating practices.
External contractors: Organizations or persons working on-site or off-site on behalf of an entity with a relationship determined by a contract. A contractor may hire their own staff directly or hire sub-contractors or independent contractors.
External property/asset managers: Organizations or persons to which participants outsource some or all of their property and asset management functions.
External suppliers: Organizations or persons that provide a product or service used in the supply chain during the reporting period.
Human health-based product standards: Minimum standards for the health-related attributes of products, such as lists of prohibited chemicals.
Human rights: Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever their nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language or any other status.
Occupational safety (for employees): Occupational safety focuses on the primary prevention of hazards within the workplace. This includes the reduction of risk factors at the workplace leading to cancers, accidents, musculoskeletal diseases, respiratory diseases, hearing loss, circulatory diseases, stress related disorders and communicable diseases and others.
Sustainable procurement: Encourage, facilitate or require the reduction of consumption of goods within the building or premises and/or the sourcing of sustainable or ethical goods. Clauses can relate to reduction of paper consumption, supply of biodegradable materials, use of recycled paper, building materials, etc.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Other: State the other party to whom the requirements apply and/or the other topic included in requirements. “Tenants” will not be considered a valid other answer. It is possible to report multiple other answers for both the above sub-options.
Evidence: Document upload is mandatory for this indicator. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question.
Evidence should support at least one element of the ESG procurement requirements applying to each stakeholder group selected. Evidence examples may include but are not limited to, Communication or redacted documentation/contract enforcing ESG procurement.Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded to each selected party and are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field will be validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
Points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards, 2016: 204-1; 308, Supplier environmental assessment; GRI 414, Supplier social Assessment
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment, 2017: 3.5.2 Risk Exposure
SE4.2
Does the entity engage with its supply chains to ensure the specific ESG requirements in SE4.1 are met?
Yes
Describe the process (maximum 500 words): ____________
No
Not applicable
SE4.2
Not scored , MP, G
The intent of this indicator is to assess whether the reporting entity effectively engages with its supply chains in order to deliver sustainable goals communicated in indicator SE4.1. A sustainable organization should be conscious of decisions and activities undertaken by its supply chains. A fair and inclusive process based on engaging suppliers should be developed to demonstrate the entity’s willingness to commit to ESG outside its own boundaries.
Sustainable procurement: Encourage, facilitate or require the reduction of consumption of goods within the building or premises and/or the sourcing of sustainable or ethical goods. Clauses can relate to reduction of paper consumption, supply of biodegradable materials, use of recycled paper, building materials, etc.
Select yes, no or not applicable. If yes, describe the process.
Open text box: Explain the engagement process carried out by the reporting entity with regards to the delivery of sustainable procurement goals. In order to be as effective as possible the process described should cover or respect the following criteria:
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
This indicator is not scored and is used for reporting purposes only.
ISO 20400, 2017: Sustainable Procurement
SE5.1
Does the organization have a program in place for promoting health & well-being of employees?
Yes
The program includes (multiple answers possible):
Needs assessment
The organization monitors employee health and well-being needs through (multiple answers possible):
Employee surveys on health and well-being
Percentage of employees: ____________%
Physical and/or mental health checks
Percentage of employees: ____________%
Other: ____________
Percentage of employees: ____________%
Goal setting
Action
Monitoring
or document name____________ and publication date____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
NEW
2 points , IM, S
The intent of this indicator is to evaluate the presence and extent of an organizational program for promoting employee health and well-being. A complete process to promote employee health and well-being contains needs assessment, goal setting, action and monitoring. Such a process helps organizations take systematic action to create value and manage risks.
Employee(s): The entity’s employees whose primary responsibilities include the operation or support of the entity.
Employee surveys on health and well-being: Written documents containing questions covering health and well being indicators or physical inspections on health and well-being issues. Topics covered can include, but are not limited to: personal health and well being, medical assistance at the workplace and housekeeping.
Physical and/or mental health checks: Physical and/or mental assessments of employees by a medical professional. Examples can include, but are not limited to: eye checks, cholesterol and blood pressure monitoring.
Health and well-being needs assessment: Process to identify and understand the health and well-being needs of a specific population. The purpose of a needs assessment is to assess the health & well-being status of the relevant population, including both risks and opportunities for improvement, and use this information to prioritize interventions to promote employee health & well-being. The absence of this information increases the likelihood of inefficient or non-targeted actions.
Health and well-being goal setting: The establishment of goals to promote the health and well-being of a specific population. Goals should be informed by the health and well-being needs assessment. Health and well-being goals might be focused on improving specific health determinants (environmental, social) and/or on improving population health outcomes.
Health and well-being action: Action to promote the health and well-being of a specific population and meet the established health and well-being goals. Actions can be taken through the design, construction and operation of buildings as well as through health programs.
Health and well-being monitoring: Mechanism to observe progress made towards achieving the established health and well-being goals for a specific population. This involves monitoring the operational outcomes of an entity’s actions to promote health & well- being of a specific population. Monitoring performance and outcomes provides feedback to understand, implement, and improve the effectiveness of interventions in order to progress towards health and well-being goals.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Percentage of employees: The percentage of employees offered to do a check or participate in a survey, etc.
Other: State the type of health and well-being check. It is possible to report multiple other answers.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting Level:
Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
Examples of evidence may include, but not limited to, a narrative description of the organization’s process, a sample survey illustrating primary data collection, a description of the entity's health promotion goals and associated actions, a description of the entity’s monitoring strategy or a consultant’s report on the entity’s monitoring activities. Acceptable evidence must provide specific information about each selected option.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected health and well-being processes and (2) (if applicable) average percentage of employees.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
Points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
SE5.2
Does the organization take measures to incorporate the health & well-being program for employees described in SE5.1?
Yes
Select all applicable options (multiple answers possible)
Creation of goals to address
Mental health and well-being
Physical health and well-being
Social health and well-being
Other: ____________
Action to promote health through
Acoustic comfort
Biophilic design
Physical activity
Healthy eating
Inclusive design
Indoor air quality
Lighting controls and/or daylight
Physical and/or mental healthcare access
Social interaction and connection
Thermal comfort
Water quality
Other building design and construction strategy: ____________
Other building operations strategy: ____________
Other programmatic intervention: ____________
Monitor outcomes by tracking
Environmental quality
Program performance
Population experience and opinions
Other: ____________
No
NEW
Not scored , IM, S
The intent of this indicator is to evaluate the scope and quality of the organization’s employee health and well-being program.
Social health and well being: Social health and well-being relates to feelings of belonging and social inclusion. Determinants of social health and well-being within the built environment include design features meant to promote social cohesion such as common spaces.
Mental health and well-being: Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.
Access to medical care: Access to health services, including preventive services such as disease screenings and vaccinations. This could include the provision of such services in or around the workplace and/or access to such services through employer-provided or government-provided healthcare programs; as well as, preferentially selecting tenants based on the needs of the surrounding community and/or allowing the entity’s assets to be used for health fairs or expos open to the surrounding community.
Note: offering health insurance to employees can be considered as a form of providing access to physical/mental health care.
Access to mental health care: Access to mental health services, including services such as depression screenings and counseling services. This could include the provision of such services in or around the workplace and/or access to such services through employer-provided or government-provided healthcare programs; as well as, preferentially selecting tenants based on the needs of the surrounding community and/or allowing the entity’s assets to be used for health fairs or expos open to the surrounding community.
Note: offering health insurance to employees can be considered as a form of providing access to physical/mental health care.
Acoustic comfort: Minimizing sound to promote mental well-being and in some instances, physical ear health. This could include building design and materials selection to promote acoustic comfort for employees and efforts to protect the ear health of construction and industrial workers; as well as, building design and materials selection to promote acoustic comfort for tenants, mechanisms to limit noise disturbances in communities surrounding the entity’s assets during both construction and operations.
Biophilic design: Design that draws upon the innate connection between humans and nature. This includes direct connections with nature, access to views, place-based design and interior design that includes plants, water and/or symbolic connections to nature through images, colors, and shapes.
Inclusive design: Design that accommodates individuals of different religions, genders and gender identities, ages, ethnicities and ability levels. This could include the provision of multi-faith space, lactation room, age-friendly design and/or accessible design.
Indoor air quality: The physical or biological characteristics of air within buildings. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is typically the product of outdoor quality mediated by the design and operation of building systems.
Indoor environmental quality metrics: Measures of indoor environmental quality including measures of air quality, thermal comfort, acoustics, and lighting.
Operational performance: Elements of health & well-being observed during the day-to-day operations of a company, fund or asset (e.g., productivity, absenteeism, etc.).
Social interaction: The provision of common spaces to promote social cohesion such as a café area, courtyard, garden, and/or activities that promote social interaction such as employee appreciation days, lunchtime policies, etc.
Social and economic determinants of health: Social and economic determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. Relevant examples of social determinants of health include access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity. Relevant examples of economic determinants of health include opportunities for employment and education status.
Thermal comfort: The thermal environment including air temperature, speed and humidity can impact employee thermal comfort. Research suggests that thermal comfort contributes to employee productivity and well-being.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Percentage of employees: The percentage of employees offered to do a check or participate in a survey, etc.
Other: State the type of health and well-being check. It is possible to report multiple other answers.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting Level:
This indicator is not scored and is used for reporting purposes only.
This Aspect addresses the entity’s efforts to address ESG-issues during the design, construction, and renovation of buildings. The built environment has a significant impact on ecological systems as well as the health, safety and welfare of communities. In addition, construction activities consume resources such as water and natural materials, while the construction process generates large quantities of waste. Integrating sustainability into construction activities can help mitigate this negative impact, and at the same time improve the environmental efficiency of buildings in the operational phase. By implementing sustainable best practices in construction activities, organizations can also positively impact local communities.
Before you start with this Aspect, note that:
This section should only be completed if the entity is involved in development of new construction (building design, site selection and/or construction) and/or major renovation projects, and had on-going projects or completed projects during the reporting period.Major renovations: Alterations that affect more than 50 percent of the total building floor area or cause relocation of more than 50 percent of regular building occupants. Major Renovation projects refer to buildings that were under construction at any time during the reporting period.
New construction: Includes all activities to obtain or change building or land use permissions and financing. Includes construction work for the project with the intention of enhancing the property’s value. Development of new buildings and additions to existing buildings that affect usable space can be treated as new constructions and reported in RC-NC1. New Construction projects refer to buildings that were under construction at any time during the reporting period.
Reporting in this Aspect should be based on the new development and major renovations projects reported in RC-NC1 and RC-NC2.
NC1
Does the entity have a sustainability strategy in place for new construction and major renovation projects?
Yes
Elements addressed in the strategy (multiple answers possible)
Biodiversity and habitat
Climate/climate change adaptation
Energy consumption/management
Environmental attributes of building materials
GHG emissions/management
Green building certifications
Building safety
Health and well-being
Location and transportation
Resilience
Supply chain
Water consumption/management
Waste management
Other: ____________
The strategy is
Publicly available
Please provide a hyperlink or a separate publicly available document
or URL____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
Not publicly available
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
Communicate the objectives and explain how the objectives are integrated into the overall business strategy (maximum 250 words)
________________________
No
NC1
1 point , MP, G
This indicator is intended to describe the entity’s sustainability strategy for new construction and major renovation projects. A well-defined sustainability strategy for new construction and major renovation projects helps organizations to identify material issues and focus areas during the different phases of these projects.
Biodiversity and habitat: Issues related to wildlife, endangered species, ecosystem services, habitat management, and relevant topics. Biodiversity refers to the variety of all plant and animal species. Habitat refers to the natural environment in which these plant and animal species live and function.
Building safety: Environmental issues with the potential to create or exacerbate risks to human safety, such as structural failure.
Climate change adaptation: Preparation for long-term change in climatic conditions or climate related events. Example of climate change adaptation measures can include, but are not limited to: building flood defenses, xeriscaping and using tree species resistant to storms and fires, adapting building codes to extreme weather events.
Energy consumption/management: Fuel consumption or management of energy from renewable and non-renewable sources.
Environmental attributes of building materials: Life-cycle environmental characteristics of the building materials, such as embodied carbon or water
GHG emissions/management: GHG management refers to the management of GHG emissions. GHGs refers to the seven gases listed in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard: carbon dioxide (CO2); methane (CH4); nitrous oxide (N2O); hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); perfluorocarbons (PFCs); nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).
Health and well-being: “Health is a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”(WHO). Health & well-being is impacted by genetics and individual behavior as well as environmental conditions. Particularly relevant to GRESB stakeholders are the social determinants of health, which are the “conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life.” These are the conditions that enable or discourage healthy living. This could include issues such as physical activity, healthy eating, equitable workplaces, maternity and paternity leave, access to healthcare, reduction in toxic exposures, etc.
Location and transportation: Location of a building in relation to pedestrian, bicycle, and mass transit networks, and existing infrastructure and amenities in the surrounding area.
Resilience: Preparedness of the built environment towards existing and future climate changes (i.e., the ability to absorb disturbances such as increased precipitation or flooding while maintaining its structure). This can be achieved by management policies, informational technologies, educating tenant, community, suppliers and physical measures at the asset level.
Supply chain: Sequence of activities or parties that provide products or services to the entity.
Sustainability strategy: Strategy which (1) sets out the participant’s procedures and (2) sets the direction and guidance for an organization’s implementation of sustainability measures.
Water consumption/management: Planning, developing, distributing and managing the optimum use of water resources.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Other: State the sustainability/ESG element included in the strategy. It is possible to add multiple other answers.
Open text box: The content of this open text box is not used for scoring, but will be included in the Benchmark Report. Participants should use this open text box to communicate on
Evidence: Document upload or hyperlink. The evidence must sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. If a hyperlink is provided, ensure that it is not outdated and the relevant page can be accessed within two steps.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded to each selected checkbox option and are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this question.
The reported answer options are validated based on the provided evidence, and points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
The public availability of the sustainability strategy is credited with 0.5 points.
LEED BD+C: New Construction v4, Sustainable Sites, Location and Transportation
NC2
Does the entity require sustainable site selection criteria to be considered for new construction and major renovation projects?
Yes
Select all criteria included (multiple answers possible)
Connect to multi-modal transit networks
Locate projects within existing developed areas
Protect, restore, and conserve aquatic ecosystems
Protect, restore, and conserve farmland
Protect, restore, and conserve floodplain functions
Protect, restore, and conserve habitats for threatened and endangered species
Redevelop brownfield sites
Other: ____________
The entity’s sustainable site selection criteria are aligned with
Third-party guidelines
Specify: ____________
Third-party rating system(s)
Specify scheme(s)/sub-scheme(s): ____________
Other: ____________
Not aligned
or document name____________ and publication date____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
Not applicable
NC2
3 points , MP, G
This indicator examines the entity’s approach to sustainable site selection. Sustainable site selection helps to conserve land and protect farmland and wildlife habitat. The site selection process should be based on structured, predefined methodologies that include limits on the development of inappropriate sites or projects with a negative impact on the immediate surroundings, and on the environment in general.
Aquatic ecosystems: Ecosystems such as coastal and riparian areas, wetlands and deepwater habitats that provide critical ecosystem functions for aquatic organisms, other wildlife and people.
Farmland: Agricultural land, designated as such by a national, local, or intergovernmental authority (e.g., US Department of Agriculture, US Food and Agriculture Organization, Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, French Ministry of Agriculture, Agrifood and Forestry).
Floodplain functions: A floodplain is an area of land adjacent to types of waterways and watercourses (e.g., a stream or a river) that experience flooding during periods of high discharge. It functions as water storage, protects habitat and benefits water quality.
Habitats for threatened and endangered species: Areas that contain habitat for plant and animal species identified as threatened or endangered by a national or intergovernmental authority (e.g., US Fish and Wildlife Service, Australian Department of Environment, EU Habitats Directive, European Red List of Threatened Species, and International Union for the Conservation of Nature).
Locate projects within existing developed areas: Development projects are prioritized in areas that have existing infrastructure, development, and urban infill as opposed to greenfield development.
Multi-modal transit networks: Pedestrian, bicycle, and mass-transit networks.
Redevelop brownfield sites: Brownfield sites are areas of land or premises that have been previously used, but has subsequently become vacant, derelict or contaminated. Brownfield sites typically require preparatory regenerative work before any new development goes ahead, and can also be partly occupied.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
(1) site selection criteria in place (2) alignment with third-party guidelines and/or rating systems, (3) selection requirements.Other: State the topic included in the site selection assessment.Criteria must be related to the site selection process for new construction projects. It is possible to add multiple other answers.
Third-party guidelines: Specify the applicable guidelines. Examples include, but are not limited to: Sustainable Design Guidelines, such as Port Authority of New York & New Jersey or individual companies. These are not rating systems and do not have provisions for certification. However, they can be used to inform project development and delivery.
Third-party rating system: Specify the applicable scheme(s)/sub-schemes(s). Examples include, but are not limited to: BREEAM International, New Construction; LEED v4, Building Design & Construction.
Evidence: Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
If applicable, the evidence must provide information about alignment with third-party standards or rating systems.Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options and validity of provided other answers, (2) validity of third party rating systems and/or guidelines or other alignment as well as (3) the validity of the evidence based on the requirements stated above.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
SITES v2 Rating System for Sustainable Land Design and Development
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites, and Location & Transportation
BREEAM International New Construction, 2013; and BREEAM Communities Manual, 2012
NC3
Does the entity have sustainable site design/development requirements for new construction and major renovation projects?
Yes
Select all applicable options (multiple answers possible)
Manage waste by diverting construction and demolition materials from disposal
Manage waste by diverting reusable vegetation, rocks, and soil from disposal
Protect air quality during construction
Protect surface water and aquatic ecosystems by controlling and retaining construction pollutants
Protect and restore habitat and soils disturbed during construction and/or during previous development
Other: ____________
The entity’s sustainable site design/development criteria are aligned with
Third-party guidelines
Specify: ____________
Third-party rating system(s)
Specify scheme(s)/sub-scheme(s): ____________
Other: ____________
Not aligned
or document name____________ and publication date____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
NC3
1.5 points , MP, G
Sustainable site development requirements help to minimize the negative direct and indirect impact of construction sites.
Manage waste by diverting construction and demolition materials from disposal: Support a low waste construction site and minimize down-cycling of materials with actions such as diverting, reusing or recycling construction and demolition materials.
Manage waste by diverting reusable vegetation, rocks, and soil from disposal: Minimize the disposal of reusable vegetation, minerals, rocks and soil with actions such as using these materials as resources in site design or to produce compost.
Protect air quality during construction: Protect air quality and reduce pollution by using construction equipment that reduces emissions of localized air pollutants and greenhouse gasses.
Protect surface water and aquatic ecosystems by controlling and retaining construction pollutants: Protect receiving waters (including surface water, groundwater, and combined sewers or stormwater systems) with measures such as the creation and implementation of a stormwater pollution prevention plan or erosion and sedimentation control plan.
Protect and restore habitat and soils disturbed during construction and/or during previous development: Support healthy plants, biological communities, water storage, and infiltration with actions such as the protection of on-site habitat, restoring disturbed soils, and supporting off-site land conservation.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
(1) site design/development criteria (2) alignment of site design/development criteria.Other: State the sustainable site design/development requirement. It is possible to add multiple other answers. Other answers include, but are not limited to “Reduce heat island effect”, “Reduce light effect”, “Manage storm water”, etc.
Third-party rating system: Specify the applicable scheme(s)/sub-schemes(s). Examples include, but are not limited to: BREEAM International, New Construction, LEED v4, Building Design & Construction.
Third-party guidelines: Specify the applicable guidelines.
Evidence: Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
If applicable, the evidence must provide information about alignment with third-party standards or rating systems.Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options and validity of provided other answers, (2) validity of third party rating systems and/or guidelines or other alignment as well as the validity of the evidence based on the requirements above.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
SITES v2 Rating System for Sustainable Land Design and Development
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites; and Materials & Resources
BREEAM International New Construction, 2013, 04 Management; and 11 Land Use; and BREEAM Communities Manual, 2012
NC4
Does the entity require that the environmental and health attributes of building materials be considered for new construction and major renovation projects?
Yes
Select all issues addressed (multiple answers possible)
Formal adoption of a policy on health attributes of building materials
Formal adoption of a policy on the environmental attributes and performance of building materials
Requirement for information (disclosure) about the environmental and/or health attributes of building materials (multiple answers possible)
Health and environmental information
Environmental Product Declarations
Health Product Declarations
Other types of health and environmental information: ____________
Material characteristics specification, including (multiple answers possible)
Preference for materials that disclose environmental impacts
Preference for materials that disclose potential health hazards
“Red list” of prohibited materials or ingredients that should not be used on the basis of their human and/or environmental impacts
Locally extracted or recovered materials
Rapidly renewable materials, low embodied carbon materials, and recycled content materials
Materials that can easily be recycled
Third-party certified wood-based materials and products
Types of third-party certification used: ____________
Low-emitting materials
Other: ____________
or document name____________ and publication date____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
Not applicable
NC4
2.5 points , MP, E
This Indicator examines the entity’s strategy to understand and manage health and environmental risks associated with building material supply chains. Including environmental and health requirements in the selection of construction materials assists organizations with conserving resources, reducing waste and limiting the impact (including embodied carbon) of new buildings. It also mitigates health risks associated with the use of harmful materials.
Environmental Product Declarations: Products and materials for which life-cycle information is publicly available and which have positive, sustainable, life-cycle impacts. An Environmental Product Declaration should conform to ISO 14025, 14040, 14044, EN 15804 or ISO 21931, or have publicly available, critically reviewed life-cycle assessment, confirming to ISO 14044.
Health and environmental information: Fully disclosed and publicly available information about the human health and environmental impacts or characteristics of the products or materials used. (e.g., MSD sheets)
Health Product Declarations: Products and materials for which the inventory of all ingredients used is publicly available, with a full disclosure of all known hazards and associated effects.
Locally extracted or recovered: Materials that are extracted, harvested or recovered within a specified distance from the construction site.
Low embodied carbon materials: Embodied carbon is the sum of all the carbon required to produce materials, considered as if that carbon was incorporated or embodied in the product itself. Also known as “low embodied energy materials.”
Rapidly renewable materials: Materials made from agricultural products that are typically harvested within a 10-year or shorter cycle, such as bamboo, wool, cotton insulation, agrifiber, linoleum, wheatboard, strawboard and cork.
Recycled content materials: Products made from pre-consumer and/or post-consumer material diverted from the waste stream.
Third-party certified wood-based materials and products: Certification that encourages responsible and sustainable forest management. Certification bodies include, but are not limited to:
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Other:
Types of third-party certification used: Specify the third-party certification.
Evidence: Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
Depending on the selected answer options, the document upload can represent a:
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options and validity of provided other answers, (2) validity of third party rating systems and/or guidelines or other alignment as well as (3) the validity of the evidence based on the requirements stated above.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4, Materials & Resources
BREEAM, International New Construction, 2013: 09 Materials
SCS Ecolabels, Recycled Content, V6-0 Standard
ISO 14021, Environmental labels and declarations
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards, 2016: GRI 301; 301-1; 301-2; 301-3
NC5.1
Does the entity’s new construction and major renovation portfolio include projects that are aligned with green building rating standards
Yes
Select all applicable options (multiple answers possible)
The entity requires projects to align with requirements of a third-party green building rating system but does not require certification
Percentage portfolio covered
Green building rating systems (include all that apply): ____________
The entity requires projects to achieve certification with a green building rating system but does not require a specific level of certification
Percentage portfolio covered
Green building rating systems (include all that apply): ____________
The entity requires projects to achieve a specific level of certification
Percentage portfolio covered
Green building rating systems (include all that apply): ____________
Level of certification adopted as a standard by the entity (include all applicable rating systems):
________________________
No
Not applicable
NC5.1
2 points , IM, E
This indicator is focused on green building rating standards utilized as part of the construction or major renovation process. Green building standards provide a measure of the intrinsic quality of the asset and its design in order to meet environmental standards requirements. Building certifications provide external assurance on the sustainability performance of an asset.
Green building rating standard: A rating system/certificate for real estate assets that uses a wide set of environmental criteria. Successful completion of the rating assessment typically results in the award of a certificate that records (a) the completion of the rating assessment process and (b) the level achieved.
Level of certification: The level achieved with successful completion of the rating scheme.
Select year or no. If yes, also (1) select all applicable sub-options (2) select portfolio coverage and (3) specify:
The full list of recognized green building certifications is provided in the Real Estate Reference Guide Appendix 3a.
Portfolio coverage: Portfolio coverage is calculated based on floor area. The numerator is the floor area of to which the selected answer option applies. The denominator is the total floor area of all NC&MR projects as reported in RC-NC1.1 and RC-NC2.1.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options (2) percentage portfolio coverage and (3) validity of reported green building rating systems and/or certificates.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator
NC5.2
Does the entity’s new construction and major renovation portfolio include projects that obtained or are registered to obtain a green building certificate?
Yes
Specify the certification scheme(s) used and the percentage of the portfolio registered and/or certified (multiple answers possible)
![[CertificationLevelTable]](/images/tables/certification_level_table/y2018-f1f91967.svg)
No
Not applicable
NC5.2
A list of provisionally validated certification schemes is provided in Appendix of the Reference Guide.
5 points , IM, E
This indicator is focused on green building rating standards utilized as part of the construction or major renovation process. Green building standards provide a measure of the intrinsic quality of the asset and its design in order to meet environmental standards requirements. Building certifications provide external assurance on the sustainability performance of an asset.
Green building certificate: Recognition that a project has received a green building rating. A certificate indicates the name and location of the project, version of the rating system, date of certification, and level of recognition.
Level of certification: The level achieved with successful completion of the rating scheme.
Number of certified projects: The number of projects within the total portfolio for which green building certificates were obtained for projects (a) that are complete and/or (b) were in progress at the end of the reporting year.
Scheme name: The name of the certification scheme.
Sub-scheme name: A Green Building Certificate’s sub-category to a Scheme name used to certify a particular property type and/or to specify the type of building certificate (whether a Green Building Certificate is an Operational Green Building Certificate or a New Construction Green Building Certificate).
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Scheme name and sub-scheme name: Select from the dropdown list or add a new scheme name and a sub-scheme name (if applicable).
Only include building design and construction certifications. The full list of recognized green building certifications is provided in the Real Estate Reference Guide Appendix 3a.
Note: If you cannot find a Scheme in the dropdown list and want to add a new scheme name and/or sub-scheme name, please contact the GRESB Helpdesk. You are also required to answer a set of additional questions about the scheme. These questions are not scored, but they are required for GRESB’s data validation process.
Only include green building certificates that were awarded before or during the reporting period. Participants may list pre- or interim- assessments conducted by the official certification authority, but this needs to be designated in the scheme name. Pre-assessments and other unofficial forms of pre-certification are not valid.
Some green building certificates are valid for a limited period only – the certificate should be effective and official during the reporting period.
Projects registered to obtain a green building certificate: Report projects that have registered with the certification body to obtain (but not yet achieved) a green building certificate by the end reporting period.
Projects that obtained a green building certificate: Report projects that have obtained a green building certificate by the end of the reporting period
Portfolio coverage: Portfolio coverage is calculated based on floor area. The numerator is the floor area of to which the selected answer option applies. The denominator is the total floor area of all NC&MR projects as reported in RC-NC1.1 and RC-NC2.1. Projects with multiple standard requirements should only report once, using the green building certification scheme that is on the most stringent in the region in which the project is located. The total combined portfolio coverage cannot exceed 100%.
Number of certified projects: The number should be smaller than or equal to the number of reported assets in RC-NC1.1 and RC-NC2.1.
Each reported certification is validated and given one out the following four validation statuses which determine a scoring weight for each coverage percentage:
Each coverage percentage is multiplied by its associated weight and then summed up to give an overall coverage percentage. This coverage percentage is then benchmarked against other coverage percentages from new construction and major renovation portfolios.
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: Cert-Tot, CRE8
NC6
Does the entity have minimum energy efficiency requirements for new construction and major renovation projects?
Yes
Requirements for planning and design include (multiple answers possible)
Integrative design process
To exceed relevant energy codes or standards
Other: ____________
Common energy efficiency measures include (multiple answers possible)
Air conditioning
Commissioning
Energy modeling
Lighting
Occupant controls
Space heating
Ventilation
Water heating
Other: ____________
Operational energy efficiency monitoring (multiple answers possible)
Energy use analytics
Post-construction energy monitoring for on
Average years: ____________
Sub-meter
Other: ____________
No
NC6
3 points , MP, E
This Indicator is intended to describe the entity’s strategy to integrate energy efficiency measures throughout design and construction activities. Implementing energy efficiency measures in the design and construction of a building contributes to reducing the energy consumption of the building during the operational phase.
Air conditioning: Refers to energy efficient air-conditioning units, such as those rated with a high energy efficiency rating, and secondary measures to promote efficiency, such as strategic location and integration into building functionality design.
Commissioning: Quality-orientated review and verification process during the design and construction phase, to ensure that the performance of facilities, systems and assemblies meet defined objectives during the operational phase.
Energy codes or standards: Energy requirements set in building codes and standards such as US Energy Efficiency standards and International Energy Conservation Code (2012).
Energy modeling: Refers to a virtual or computerized simulation of a building that can be used to estimate the energy use of a building and evaluate its energy efficiency.
Energy use analytics: Analysis of energy use to determine discrepancies between baseline and actual energy use. Energy use analytics help determine whether energy use targets are reached, and can highlight opportunities to improve energy efficiency.
Integrative design: A design process that considers and involves multiple aspects, stakeholders and functions, instead of addressing each separately, to align and achieve objectives.
Lighting: Energy efficient lighting refers to units such as those rated with a high-energy efficiency rating. Common energy efficient lighting includes: LEDs, CFLs and halogen incandescents. It also includes aspects such as sensors, timers, and the promotion of natural daylight, to reduce the amount of light energy consumed.
Occupant controls: Individual controls for heating, cooling and other building systems. They support individual comfort of building occupants, while reducing energy consumption. Occupant controls also enable occupants to respond rapidly to alleviate discomfort when it is experienced.
Operational energy efficiency monitoring: Monitoring of energy consumed during the operational phase of a building. The operational energy consumption of buildings leads to substantial environmental impact. Monitoring consumption is an important basis for reducing this impact.
Post-construction energy monitoring: Monitoring of energy consumption during the operational phase of the building, to identify that energy use objectives are being met.
Requirements for planning and design: Policy requirements such as planning obligations, building codes and standards.
Space heating: Energy efficient space heating systems for internal spaces within a building. This includes energy efficient mechanical systems, and maximizing the maintenance of internal heating via insulation, seals and windows and doors
Sub-meter: A system that allows the measurement of utility use by an individual occupant within a multi-tenant property, such as individual electricity meters.
Ventilation: The process of supplying and removing air through an indoor space. Energy efficient ventilation refers to the use of efficient mechanical or natural ventilation systems.
Water heating: Energy efficient water heating systems such as those with a high-energy efficiency rating, including those which are demand-based, that do not lose energy on stand-by heating. Also includes efficient hot water distribution systems to reduce energy losses throughout the building.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Other:
Post-construction monitoring: If the entity has requirements on post-construction performance monitoring, please specify the required number of years. If the entity monitors performance for an infinite period, please enter “100”.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options for design, measures, and monitoring indicators and (2) validity of provided other answers.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
SITES v2 Rating System
BREEAM, International New Construction, 2013: 09 Materials
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4: Sustainable Sites and Materials & Resources
BREEAM International New Construction, 2013: 04 Management and 11 Land Use; and BREEAM Communities Manual, 2012
NC7.1
Does the entity incorporate on-site renewable energy in the design of new construction and major renovation projects?
Yes
Projects designed to generate on-site renewable energy (multiple answers possible)
Biofuels
Percentage of all projects: ____________%
Geothermal
Percentage of all projects: ____________%
Hydro
Percentage of all projects: ____________%
Solar/photovoltaic
Percentage of all projects: ____________%
Wind
Percentage of all projects: ____________%
Other: ____________
Percentage of all projects: ____________%
Average design target for the fraction of total energy demand met with on-site renewable energy
________________________
No
Not applicable
NC7.1
3 points , IM, E
This Indicator intends to assess entity’s involvement in the design of on-site renewable energy generation. On-site renewable energy generation reduces environmental and economic impacts associated with fossil fuel energy use.
Biofuels: Liquid of gaseous fuels, such as bioethanol and biodiesel, which are made from biomass.
Geothermal energy: Energy from heat generated by the earth’s matter (e.g. ground pump heating systems). This includes geothermal storage.
Hydro energy: Energy generated by the gravitational force of falling or flowing water.
On-site renewable energy: Any source of energy produced at the site that can be used without depleting reserves, including energy from the sun, wind, water and the earth’s core. Technologies should be available onsite, such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, transpired solar collectors, solar hot water heaters, small-scale hydroelectric power plants, ground pump heating systems, etc.
Solar/photovoltaic energy: Energy generated from solar heat and/or radiant light. This includes solar water heating. Photovoltaic energy results from the conversion of the sunlight by using solar panels or semiconductors.
Wind energy: Energy generated from wind power by using wind turbines.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Other: State the on-site renewable source. It is possible to add multiple other answers. Note that:
Average design target for the fraction of total energy demand met with on-site renewable energy: Percentage of energy demand that by design should be provided by on-site renewable energy. The numerator is the total design capacity of all reported on-site renewable energy sources. The denominator is total energy demand for all projects reported in RC-NC1.1 and RC-NC2.1.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options and validity of provided other answer, (2) percentage of all projects.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
In 2018, the average design target will be for reporting purposes only.
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4, Energy & Atmosphere
BREEAM, International New Construction, 2013: 06 Energy
SASB-Real Estate Owners, Developers & Investment Trusts, March 2016: IF0402-02
NC7.2
Are the entity’s new construction and major renovation projects designed to meet net-zero energy codes and/or standards?
Yes
The entity’s definition of “net-zero energy” includes:
Net Zero Site Energy
Net Zero Source Energy
Net Zero Energy Costs
Net Zero Energy Emissions
Other: ____________
The entity uses net-zero energy code/standard:
National/local green building council standard, specify: ____________
National/local government standard, specify: ____________
International standard, specify: ____________
Other: ____________
Percentage of projects covered: ____________%
No
NC7.2
1 point , IM, E
This Indicator intends to examine the entity’s approach to define and achieve net-zero energy performance for its new construction and renovation projects. Net-zero energy (NZE) standards assist organizations with achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions, through energy-efficient design and the use of renewable energy technologies, on a net-zero energy basis. Net-zero standards are increasingly part of building codes.
Net-zero energy: A net-zero energy building relies on energy-efficient design and renewable sources to produce as much energy as it consumes, usually measured over the course of a year.
Net Zero Site Energy: A site ZEB produces at least as much energy as it uses in a year, when accounted for at the site.
Net Zero Source Costs: In a cost ZEB, the amount of money the utility pays the building owner for the energy the building exports to the grid is at least equal to the amount the owner pays the utility for the energy services and energy used over the year.
Net Zero Source Energy: A source ZEB produces at least as much energy as it uses in a year, when accounted for at the source. Source energy refers to the primary energy used to generate and deliver the energy to the site. To calculate a building’s total source energy, imported and exported energy is multiplied by the appropriate site-to-source conversion multipliers.
Net Zero Energy Emissions: A net-zero emissions building produces at least as much emissions-free renewable energy as it uses from emissions-producing energy sources.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Standard Specify the full name of the referenced national and/or international standard on net-zero energy.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options and the validity of the provided other answers, (2) validity of reported standard, and (3) the percentage of projects covered.
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4, Energy & Atmosphere
BREEAM, International New Construction, 2013: 06 Energy
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2006
ICC IECC: 2012 International Energy Conservation Code
International Energy Agency: SHC Task 40
EU countries' nearly zero-energy buildings national plans
NC8
Does the entity promote water conservation in its new construction and major renovation projects?
Yes
The entity promotes water conservation through (multiple answers possible)
Requirements for planning and design include (multiple answers possible)
Development and implementation of a commissioning plan
Integrative design for water conservation
Requirements for indoor water efficiency
Requirements for outdoor water efficiency
Requirements for process water efficiency
Requirements for water supply
Other: ____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
Common water efficiency measures include (multiple answers possible)
Commissioning of water systems
Drip/smart irrigation
Drought tolerant/low-water landscaping
High-efficiency/dry fixtures
Leak detection system
Occupant sensors
On-site wastewater treatment
Re-use of stormwater and greywater for non-potable applications
Other: ____________
Operational water efficiency monitoring (multiple answers possible)
Post-construction water monitoring for on
Average years: ____________
Sub-meter
Water use analytics
Other: ____________
No
Not applicable
NC8
2 points , MP, E
This Indicator intends to assess the entity’s strategy to water conservation through design and construction. Implementing water efficiency measures in the design and construction phases of a building contributes to reducing the water consumption of the building during the operational phase.
Net-zero energy: A net-zero energy building relies on energy-efficient design and renewable sources to produce as much energy as it consumes, usually measured over the course of a year.
Drip/smart irrigation: Drip irrigation systems save water by irrigating, fertilizing and aerating trees, shrubs, plants and bushes directly at the roots. Smart irrigation systems save water by adjusting the watering schedule and amount of water used for irrigation based on a variety of factors and inputs, including weather, plant species and soil type.
Drought tolerant/low-water landscaping: Reduction of water use through landscaping characteristics such as areas requiring little to no irrigation.
Dry fixtures: Fixtures that do not require the use of water, such as composting toilet systems and waterless urinals.
Grey water: Wastewater generated from hand basins, showers and other water-using devices and equipment.
High-efficiency fixtures: Appliances and plumbing equipment that conserve water without compromising performance (also known as “ultra-low-flow” fixtures).
Indoor water: Water use that occurs within the constraints of the building interior.
Integrative design: A design process that considers and involves multiple aspects, stakeholders and functions, instead of addressing each separately, to align and achieve objectives.
Leak detection system: Systems that detect water leaks. Examples can include, but are not limited to: condensate water overflow, chiller water leaks, plumbing line cracks, heating/cooling piping leaks and outside seepage.
Non-potable applications: Use of non-potable water in applications such as toilet flushing and cooling tower make up water
Occupant sensors: Motion sensor devices that turn water fixtures on (or off) in response to the presence (or absence) of people.
On-site wastewater treatment: Process of water decontamination as a consequence of any anthropogenic, industrial or commercial use, before the water is released again into the environment or is re-used.
Operational water efficiency monitoring: Monitoring of water consumed during the in-use phase of a building’s life. The operational water consumption of buildings leads to substantial environmental impact. Monitoring consumption is an important basis for reducing this impact.
Outdoor water: Water use that occurs outside of the building structure.
Post-construction water monitoring: Monitoring of water consumption during the operational phase of the building, to identify that water conservation objectives are being met.
Process water: Water that is used for building systems and industrial processes, such as cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. It can also include water used for operational processes, such as dishwashing.
Requirements for planning and design: Policy requirements such as planning obligations, building codes and standards.
Stormwater: Water that collects during precipitation, which can be stored on-site for eventual reuse for non-potable applications. Examples of applications for reuse can include, but are not limited to: landscape irrigation and/or flush fixtures.
Sub-meter: A system that allows the measurement of utility use by an individual occupant within a multi-tenant property, such as individual electricity meters.
Water conservation: The standards, strategies and actions to manage and conserve water in a sustainable manner.
Water efficiency measures: Actions undertaken to reduce water consumption and improve efficient use of water as a sustainable resource.
Water supply: Provision of surface water, groundwater, rainwater collected directly or stored by the entity, waste water from another organization, municipal water supplies or other water utilities, usually via a system of pumps and pipes.
Water use analytics: Analysis of water use to determine discrepancies between baseline and actual energy use. Water use analytics help determine whether water use targets are reached, and can highlight opportunities to improve water efficiency and conservation.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Other:
Evidence: Document upload is mandatory. The evidence must demonstrate the promotion of water efficiency requirements and the elements that it covers. Depending on the selected answer options, the document upload must include information on the selected options of "Requirements for planning and design" (e.g., RFP language requesting integrated design process, above code design).
Post-construction monitoring: If the entity has requirement on post-construction performance monitoring, please specify the required number of years. If the entity monitors performance for an infinite period, please enter “100”.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are based on (1) selected answer options and validity of provided other answers, (2) validity of the evidence based on the requirements stated above.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality/p>
BREEAM, International New Construction, 2013: 08 Water
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards, 2016: 303, Water
NC9
Does the entity promote efficient on-site solid waste management during the construction phase of its new construction and major renovation projects?
Yes
The entity promotes efficient solid waste management through (multiple answers possible)
Management and construction practices (multiple answers possible)
Construction waste signage
Education of employees/contractors on waste management
Incentives for contractors for recovering, reusing and recycling building materials
Targets for waste stream recovery, reuse and recycling
Waste management plans
Waste separation facilities
Other: ____________
On-site waste monitoring (multiple answers possible)
Hazardous waste monitoring
Non-hazardous waste monitoring
Other: ____________
or document name____________ and publication date____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
NC9
2 points , MP, E
This Indicator is intended to describe the entity’s strategy to manage waste from construction and demolition. A waste policy assists organizations with reducing waste from construction and demolition disposed of in landfills and incineration facilities, by recovering, reusing and recycling materials.
Construction waste signage: Visible signage that clearly indicates the process of properly dealing with waste generated during construction.
Education on waste management: Educating employees, contractors and crews on materials recovery techniques and procedures, such as sorting and storage methods, recoverable materials and removal techniques.
Hazardous waste: A solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical/chemical/infectious characteristics may either cause, or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality/serious irreversible illness. Hazardous waste might also pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.
Incentives for contractors: Incentives, for example, to allow contractors and crews to retain a portion of revenues and/or savings from materials recovery and sales.
Management and construction practices: Measures and strategies implemented by management and construction employees throughout the construction project.
Non-hazardous waste: Waste that does not have the potential to cause harm to humans, animals or the environment.
On-site waste monitoring: Monitoring of waste generated during the design and construction phase of the building, to identify that waste generation and disposal objectives are being met.
Recovering building materials: Diverting building material waste from landfill by recovery of the material from site to be recycled or sent for energy recovery.
Recycling building materials: Diverting building material waste from landfill to an on or off-site recycling facility.
Reusing building materials: Diverting building material from landfill by reemploying the material on site or on other approved sites in the same or related capacity as their original application.
Waste stream: The complete flow of waste from generation to final disposal.
Waste management plan: Plan that addresses the collection and disposal of waste generated during construction or renovation, usually including the collection, transfer, treatment and disposal of a variety of waste types.
Waste separation facilities: A designated facility where waste is separated into different elements to be correctly disposed of, recycled, or otherwise managed.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options for (1) management and construction practices (2) on-site waste monitoring.
Other:
Evidence: Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
The evidence must demonstrate the promotion of efficient on-site solid waste management and the elements that it covers. Depending on the selected answer options, the document upload should include:Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options for design, measures, and monitoring indicators and (2) validity of provided other answers.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4, 09 Material & Resources
BREEAM, International New Construction 2013, 10 Waste
EPA, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Construction Sector (NAICS 23)
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (2016): 303, Effluents and Waste
NC10.1
Does the entity have ESG requirements in place for its contractors?
Yes
Select all topics included (multiple answers possible)
Business ethics
Community engagement
Environmental process standards
Environmental product standards
Fundamental human rights
Human health-based product standards
On-site occupational safety
ESG-specific requirements for sub-contractors
Other: ____________
Percentage of projects covered: ____________%
or document name____________ and publication date____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
NC10.1
2 points , MP, S
This Indicator examines the entity’s strategy to ensure contractors support the entity’s ESG objectives and follow ESG management requirements. Sustainability-specific requirements for contractors can ensure proper implementation of the entity’s sustainability policies for new construction and major renovation projects. Relationships with contractors and the written agreements that define those relationships make sustainability requirements enforceable upon a wider range of stakeholders.
Environmental process standards: Minimum standards required during the procurement process in relation to environmental processes, such as requirements for disposal of waste generated by contractors.
Environmental product standards: Minimum standards required during the procurement process in relation to environmental products, such as requiring a certain percentage of products to be locally sourced or contain recycled content.
External contractors: Organizations or persons working on-site or off-site on behalf of an entity with a relationship determined by a contract. A contractor may hire their own staff directly or hire sub-contractors or independent contractors.
Human health-based product standards: Minimum standards for the health-related attributes of products, such as lists of prohibited chemicals.
Human rights: Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever their nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language or any other status.
On-site health and safety: Requirements that focus on protecting the safety, health and welfare of people engaged in construction work.
ESG-specific requirements: Includes specification and use of sustainable and energy efficient materials, systems, equipment and onsite operating practices, e.g. regarding access to the site, environmental impact, community impact, health and safety, etc..
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Percentage of all projects: Provide the percentage of all projects covered. The numerator is the floor area of the projects for which the applicable requirements are in place. The denominator is the total floor area of all projects reported in RC-NC1.1 and RC-NC2.1.
Other: State the sustainability-specific requirement. It is possible to add multiple other answers.
Evidence: Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
The evidence must demonstrate the existence of the ESG requirements for its contractors in development projects. An example is a copy of contractor requirements (e.g., contract language or RFP).
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options for design, measures, and monitoring indicators and (2) validity of provided other answers.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
BREEAM, International New Construction, 2013: 04 Management
United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: 5.6, H&S-Employee health and safety
NC10.2
Does the organization monitor its contractors' compliance with its ESG-specific requirements in place for this entity?
Yes
Select all applicable options (multiple answers possible)
Contractors provide update reports on environmental and social aspects during construction
External audits by third party
Percentage of projects audited during the reporting period: ____________%
Name of the organization Service provider
Internal audits
Percentage of projects audited during the reporting period: ____________%
Weekly/monthly (on-site) meetings and/or ad hoc site visits
Percentage of projects visited during the reporting period: ____________%
Other: ____________
No
Not applicable
NC10.2
2 points , IM, S
Monitoring measures ensure that contractors comply with the contractual specifications and requirements regarding sustainability issues.
Ad hoc site visits: Visits without advance notice.
Audits: A systematic review and assessment performed by qualified personnel to determine by investigation, examination, or evaluation of objective evidence, the adequacy and compliance of the contractors with the sustainability-specific requirements.
Environmental issues: The impact on living and non-living natural systems, including land, air, water and ecosystems. This includes, but is not limited to biodiversity, transport, contamination, GHG emissions, energy, water, waste, natural hazards, supply chain environmental standards, and product and service-related impacts, as well as environmental compliance and expenditures.
National or international standard: Standard related to environmental management, e.g. ISO 14001, etc.
Social aspects: Includes increased noise, traffic congestion, lack of housing, resettlement requirements or pressure on access to local services that arise from influx of personnel, site development work or operational processes that are new to the area, etc.
Select yes, no, or not applicable if you answered no to NC10.1. If yes, select all applicable sub-options including the additional information requested.
Percentage of projects audited: Provide the percentage of all projects covered. The numerator represents the floor area of the projects for which the applicable requirements are in place. The denominator is the total floor area of all projects reported in RC-NC1.1 and RC-NC2.1.
External audits by third party: Report the name of the organization that performed the audit. You may be asked for additional information about the organization. It is possible to report multiple organizations for transparency purposes, however scores will not be aggregated.
Other: State the method of monitoring. It is possible to add multiple other answers.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options for design, measures, and monitoring indicators and (2) validity of provided other answers.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
ISO 14001, Environmental Management Standard
SITES v2 Rating System
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites
BREEAM International New Construction, 2013; and BREEAM Communities Manual, 2012
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment, 2017: 3.5.5, ESG integration in supply chain strategy
NC11
Does the entity promote occupant health and well-being in its new construction and major renovation projects?
Yes
The entity addresses health and well-being in the design of its product through (multiple answers possible)
Requirements for planning and design, including (multiple answers possible)
Health Impact Assessment
Integrated planning process
Other planning process: ____________
or document name____________ and publication date____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
Common occupant health and well-being measures, including (multiple answers possible)
Access to spaces for active and passive recreation
Active design features
Commissioning
Daylight
Indoor air quality monitoring
Indoor air quality source control
Natural ventilation
Occupant controls
Provisions for active transport
Other: ____________
Provisions to verify health and well-being performance include (multiple answers possible)
Occupant education
Post-construction health and well-being monitoring (e.g., occupant comfort and satisfaction) for on
Average years: ____________
Other: ____________
No
Not applicable
NC11
2 points , MP, S
This Indicator is intended to describe the entity’s strategy to design and build buildings that promote occupant health and well-being. Buildings designed with occupant health and well-being in mind lead to increased employee satisfaction and greater productivity.
Access to spaces for active and passive recreation: Access to spaces designated for recreation, including but not limited to green spaces, picnic areas, sport facilities, or children’s playgrounds.
Active design features: Design features specifically aimed to positively contribute towards occupant health and well-being, e.g. centrally located staircases to get occupants to be more active.
Commissioning: Quality-orientated review and verification process during the design and construction phase, to ensure that the performance of facilities, systems and assemblies meet defined objectives during the operational phase.
Daylight: The capacity of a building to provide maximum daylight exposure to occupants, via building design (e.g. angle of orientation, number of and size of windows) and material (e.g. reflective coatings) features. Maximizing daylight exposure not only benefits occupant health and well-being, but also can reduce the need for artificial light, and therefore energy expenditure.
Health Impact Assessment: A mean of assessing the health impacts of policies, plans and projects using quantitative, qualitative and participatory techniques.
Indoor air quality: The physical or biological characteristics of air within buildings. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is typically the product of outdoor quality mediated by the design and operation of building systems.
Indoor air quality monitoring: The process of monitoring the fluctuations in IAQ, to promote efficient and successful IAQ maintenance and improvement. Monitoring can occur via portable or fixed sensors to measure a range of air pollutants.
Integrated planning process: A planning process that considers and involves multiple aspects, stakeholders and functions, instead of addressing each separately, to align and achieve objectives.
Natural ventilation: The process of supplying and removing air through an indoor space without using mechanical systems. There are two types of natural ventilation occurring in buildings: wind driven ventilation and buoyancy-driven ventilation.
Occupant controls: Individual controls for heating, cooling and other building systems. They support individual comfort of building occupants, while reducing energy consumption. Occupant controls also enable occupants to respond rapidly to alleviate discomfort when it is experienced.
Occupant education: Education and training of building occupants to increase knowledge on sustainability principles and the benefits to their health and well-being, including behavioral change and techniques.
Occupant well-being: Health and comfort of building occupants. Healthy indoor environments (including indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, visual quality and acoustic performance) are an essential part of realizing the potential benefits of occupant well-being.
Post-construction health and wellbeing monitoring: A structured approach towards measuring and managing the health and well-being of occupants, such as occupant comfort and satisfaction.
Provisions for active transport: Active transport is transport via walking or bicycling. Provisions for active transport include designating safe and accessible pedestrian walkways as a building design measure, bike storage areas and shower facilities.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options for (1) requirements for planning and design (2) common occupant health and well-being measures, (3) operational occupant health and well-being verification provisions and.
Other:
Evidence: Document upload or document name and date. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. In the absence of an upload, providing the document name AND date of publication is mandatory, and you may be asked to disclose the document to GRESB as part of the validation process.
The evidence must demonstrate the promotion of occupant health and well-being and the elements selected of health and well-being "Requirements for planning and design". Examples of acceptable uploads include but are not limited to a description of typical project requirements (e.g., RFP language, owners project requirements, similar).
Post-construction monitoringIf the entity has requirement on post-construction performance monitoring, please specify the required number of years. If the entity monitors performance for an infinite period, please enter “100”.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options and validity of provided other answers, (2) validity of the evidence based on the requirements stated above.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality
BREEAM, International New Construction, 2013: 05 Health and well-being
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards, 2016: GRI 416; 416-1
NC12.1
Does the entity promote on-site safety during the construction phase of its new construction and major renovation projects?
Yes
The entity promotes on-site safety through (multiple answers possible)
Availability of medical personnel
Communicating safety information
Continuously improving safety performance
Demonstrating safety leadership
Entrenching safety practices
Managing safety risks
Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment
Promoting design for safety
Training curriculum
Other: ____________
No
Not applicable
NC12.1
1 point , MP, S
The dangerous nature of project construction work and some building services work can lead to hazardous and harmful events, such as incidents, injuries, and fatalities. These have the potential to undermine a business’ brand and long-term success. Occupational health and safety (OHS) performance can be seen as a key measure of an organization’s duty of care. Monitoring of and reporting on on-site occupational health and safety is an indicator of prudent risk management.
On-site health and safety: Requirements that focus on protecting the safety, health and welfare of people engaged in construction work.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options for (1) promotion means and (2) requirements and standards.
Other: State the alternative means applied to promote on-site health and safety. It is possible to add multiple other answers.It is possible to add multiple other answers.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options and validity of provided other answers, (2) validity of the evidence based on the requirements stated above.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
BS OHSAS 18001/18002, Occupational Health and Safety Management
ISO 9001, Quality Management Systems; and ISO 14001, Environmental Management System
ILO-OSH 2001, Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems
NAICS 23
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards, 2016: GRI 403 Occupational health and safety
NC12.2
Does the organization monitor safety indicators at construction sites?
Yes
Select all applicable options (multiple answers possible)
Injury rate: ____________
Explain the injury rate calculation method (maximum 250 words)
________________________
Fatalities: ____________
Near misses: ____________
Other metrics: ____________
Rate of other metric(s): ____________
No
NC12.2
1 point , IM, S
Monitoring of and reporting on on-site health and safety is an indicator of prudent risk management. Keeping records of the number of incidents, injuries and fatalities over time help to identify patterns that can guide the implementation of measures needed to minimize health and safety risks.
Fatalities: The death of a worker arising from an occupational injury or disease sustained or contracted while in the entity’s employ.
Injury: Any instance of being injured, (including occupational diseases and occupational disabilities, and fatalities) arising from operations. Includes incidents involving contractors/sub-contractors, site visitors and members of the public. The injury rate is expressed as a rate (e.g. a fraction). Use the open text box to explain the applied calculation method/formula.
Near misses: A work-related event with the potential to cause injury, disability or disease to workers or the public (also known as “dangerous occurrences”).
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options and complete the additional open fields.
Injury rate: Report the injury rate for the total workforce, i.e. total employees and supervised workers, as well as independent contractors working on site to whom the organization is liable for the general safety of the working environment.
Open text box: For injury rates, it is mandatory to use the open text box to explain the applied calculation method/formula.
Fatalities: Fatalities are expressed as a number.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are based on the number of indicators that are used for monitoring.
The validity of the injury rate is based on the open text box explanation. Provided figures are for reporting purposes only and do not have an impact on scoring.
GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards, 2016: 403-2
RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment, 2017: 3.5.2 Risk culture
NC13
Does the entity assess the potential socio-economic impact of its new construction and major renovation projects on the community as part of planning and pre-construction?
Yes
Select the areas of impact that are assessed (multiple answers possible)
Housing affordability
Impact on crime levels
Livability score
Local income generated
Local residents‘ well-being
Walkability score
Other: ____________
No
NC13
1.5 points , IM, S
The built environment has a significant direct and indirect socio-economic impact, for example on social well-being, quality of life, and the prosperity of local communities and individuals. Assessing the social-economic impact helps to minimize the potential negative impact of new construction and major renovation projects and can create more livable, prosperous and sustainable communities.
Housing affordability: Affordable housing refers to housing units that are affordable by the low-income section of society (for example, whose income is below the median household income).
Impact on crime levels: The impact of the use of the asset and related facilities on crime levels, e.g. inadequate lighting or security may lead to increased crime levels, including vandalism, theft, etc.
Local income generated: Contributing to local economic benefits, and creating business diversity and opportunities for economic development and innovation. For example, providing tax revenues.
Local residents’ well-being: Includes health and safety of local residents that may be impacted by the asset’s operation. For example, noise pollution issues.
Walkability score: A score designed to measure the walkability of a given address to community amenities.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Other: It is possible to report multiple other answers.
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded based on (1) selected answer options and (2) validity of provided other answers.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this indicator.
Green Star, Communities PILOT Version 0.1
NC14
Does the entity have a systematic process to monitor the impact of new construction and major renovation projects on the local community during different stages of the project?
Yes
The entity’s process includes (multiple answers possible)
Analysis and interpretation of monitoring data
Development and implementation of a communication plan
Development and implementation of a community monitoring plan
Development and implementation of a risk mitigation plan
Identification of nuisance and/or disruption risks
Identification of stakeholders and impacted groups
Management practices to ensure accountability for performance goals and issues identified during community monitoring
Other: ____________
Describe the monitoring process (maximum 250 words): ____________
Indicate where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No
NC14
1.5 points , IM, G
New construction and major renovation projects are likely to impact/disrupt the local community. These disruptions will differ per project and per phase of the development process. Monitoring helps an organization to manage and reduce the impact of new construction and major renovation projects on the local community during the development process.
Analysis and interpretation of monitoring data: A structured approach to analyzing and interpreting data obtained from monitoring processes, in order to make actionable use of the data.
Communication plan: A specific, objective-based plan identifying commitments to engaging with the community by obtaining their input and feedback during different stages of construction and renovation projects.
Community impact: Community refers to individuals or groups of people living and/or working in any areas that are economically, socially or environmentally impacted (positively or negatively) by the construction/renovation activities. Impact includes increased noise, traffic congestion, lack of housing, resettlement requirements or pressure on access to local services that arise from influx of construction personnel, site development work or operational processes that are novel to the area.
Community monitoring plan: A specific, objective-based plan to ensure that monitoring of the community during different stages of the construction and renovation projects is implemented and maintained.
Monitoring: A structured approach towards measuring and managing the impact of community engagement projects on the local community.
Nuisance and/or disruption risks: Risks that are likely to cause a nuisance or disruption to stakeholders/impacted groups/communities, such as excess noise or increase traffic congestion.
Risk mitigation plan: A structured and purposeful process of identifying risks and developing actions to eliminate or reduce the adverse impacts of the risk, and planned responses should the risk occur.
Stakeholders and impacted groups: All individuals or groups of people who may be affected by the objectives and/or actions of a construction/renovation project, either directly or indirectly.
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
The response of this indicator must be specific to the impact of new construction and major renovation projects during different stages.
Other: State the alternative means through which the entity monitors impact on the local community.
It is possible to report multiple other answers.
Evidence: Document upload is mandatory for this indicator. The evidence should sufficiently support all the items selected for this question.
The provided evidence must demonstrate the existence of the monitoring process and the elements that it covers. Examples of acceptable documents include but are not limited to impact reports or data illustrating the collection of relevant information.
Open text box: The content of this open text box is not used for scoring, but will be included in the Benchmark Report. Participants should use this open text box to communicate on
Reporting period: Answers must refer to the reporting period identified in EC3.
Reporting level: Answers should be applicable at entity level.
Points are awarded to each selected checkbox option and are then aggregated to calculate the indicator’s final score.
Reporting multiple other answers will not impact scoring; reported answer options in this field are validated individually, but scores will not be aggregated.
It is not necessary to select all answer options in order to obtain the maximum score for this question.
The reported answer options are validated based on the provided evidence, and points are contingent upon validity of the supporting evidence.
BREEAM Communities Manual, 2012
GRESB works closely with its members and broader industry stakeholders to ensure the Assessment addresses material issues in the sustainability performance of real estate investments. The main focus of the 2019 Assessment development process were enhancements to asset-level reporting functionality and the integration of selected Health & Well-being Module elements. The changes serve the longer term development of the Assessment, support our efforts for good quality data and reflect the evolution of the real estate industry as measured by the benchmark over the last years.
The table below lists all changes, as well as their implications for your reporting process.
The access to the Template Tool is no longer restricted to members.The template tool enables participants to copy information across multiple submissions, reducing the amount of time spent replicating information across entities held by the same fund manager. |
The Validation Interview process changes structure and will be mainly based on a desktop review.While the scope of the Validation Interview will remain the same (the validators will do an in-depth analysis of all supporting evidences, mandatory and non-mandatory), the Validation Interview report, the call with the participant, and the participant’s ability to change their responses following the call will be removed from the process. Participants will continue to be automatically notified if they are selected for a Validation Interview and there may still be instances where we need to contact the participant for missing supporting evidence, additional information, clarifications or corrections to the data submitted. |
A selection of Health & Well-being indicators are incorporated into the Developer AssessmentWith the release of the 2018 results and after a successful 3-year cycle, the Health & Well-being Module has served its purpose as an exploratory vehicle and incubator for new indicators. In 2019, a selection of health & well-being indicators are incorporated into the GRESB Developer Assessment, effectively making these indicators a reporting requirement for all GRESB participants. The newly introduced Health & Well-being indicators are grouped as a separate section in the Stakeholder Engagement aspect. |
Validation Plus indicatorsThe Validation Plus indicator selection is performed by GRESB and is subject to change on an annual basis in order to rotate the validation scope every year. This allows GRESB to apply a consistent level of scrutiny on all participating entities. In 2019, the following changes are introduced:
|
Entity & Reporting Characteristics |
|
| RC-NC1.1 |
Vacant land is excluded from the reporting scope.Rationale for change: Vacant land does not share the same ESG issues as standing investments or development projects, and it does not directly associate to any performance indicator. |
Policy and Disclosure |
|
| PD2 |
Two new options are added “Employee Health & Well-being” and “Tenant/customer and community health & well-being”.Rationale for change: This is part of the Health & Well-being integration. Impact of change: The scope of the indicator is expanded to assess the presence of policies to address employee, tenant/customer and community health and well-being. The indicator will still be pre-filled for 2018 participants. |
| PD4 |
Non-scored indicator is further developed to introduce a set of quantitative diversity metrics and the ability to report on governance bodies and employees separately.Rationale for change: This indicator was introduced as a non-scored indicator in 2018. Building on last year’s answers, we have further developed it into a more analytical indicator on diversity. Impact of change: The changes bring a better alignment with the GRI Standards and EPRA’s sBPRs. |
| PD5.2 |
Third-party verification and third-party assurance of sustainability disclosure receive equal points.Rationale for change: Over the past years, the non-financial information third-party review industry has witnessed the development of several new verification and assurance standards. The level of scrutiny underpinning such third-party reviews tends to be dictated by the standard used, rather than the terminology used to describe the review process. Impact of change: The scoring is adjusted to recognize external verification in the same way as external assurance. “Other” answers provided to the Scheme name dropdown menu are subject to validation. |
Stakeholder Engagement |
|
| SE3.1 |
Indicator is incorporated into SE5.1Rationale for change: Consolidation of health & well-being indicators into an individual section Impact of change: Indicator maintains its score within SE5.1 and is pre-filled with the 2018 information (if applicable) |
| SE5.1/ SE5.2 |
New indicators on employees health and well-being.Rationale for change: Integration of select indicators from the old Health & Well-being Module into the Developer Assessment. Impact of change: The weight of the Stakeholder Engagement aspect increases as a result of:
|
New Construction and Major Renovation |
|
| NC7.2 |
The open textboxes for describing the entity’s definition of “net-zero energy” and referenced code/standards are replaced by checkboxes.Rationale for change: Responses in open textboxes are difficult to compare and provide little analytical value. Impact of change: An easier to report, better-structured indicator. |
| ANREV | The Asian Association for Investment in Non-listed Real Estate Vehicles |
| AL | asset-level |
| APREA | The Asia Pacific Real Estate Association |
| BPF | The British Property Federation |
| BREEAM | The Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method |
| CASBEE | The Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency |
| CDP | Carbon Disclosure Project |
| DEC | Display Energy Certificates |
| DGNB | Deutsche Gessellschaft fur Nachhaltiges Bauen e.V. |
| EMS | Environmental Management System |
| EPC | Energy Performance Certificate |
| EPRA | European Public Real Estate Association |
| FL | Fund Level |
| GAV | Gross Asset Value |
| GHG | Greenhouse gas |
| GRA | Green Rating Alliance |
| GRI | Global Reporting Initiative |
| GRI CRESS | The GRI Construction and Real Estate Sector Supplement |
| HVAC | Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning |
| INREV | The European Association for Investors in Non-Listed Real Estate Vehicles |
| ISA | The International Sustainability Alliance |
| ISIN | International Securities Identification Number |
| IPMS | International Property Measurement Standard |
| IVBN | Vereniging van Institutionele Beleggers in Vastgoed |
| JV | Joint Venture |
| NABERS | National Australian Built Environment Rating System |
| NAREIT | National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts |
| NF HQE | Normes Francaises Haute Qualité Environnementale |
| NOI | Net operating income |
| OL | Organization Level |
| PREA | Pension Real Estate Association |
| REALpac | Real Property Association of Canada |
| UN PRI | The United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment |
This list indicates certifications that have been submitted to GRESB as part of participation and accepted for full or partial recognition. Additional schemes may also receive recognition if they meet GRESB’s criteria.
| A | Certification scheme
|
| B | Is the certification an in-house or external scheme?
Note: If you use an in-house scheme, GRESB will ask for additional information. If no third-party documentation review or on-site assessment is required, GRESB will ask for supporting evidence on the assessment method. |
| C | Verification of compliance with scheme requirements is based on:
|
| D | Public information
|
| E | Is the scheme required by a national or regional government agency?
Note: Mandatory certification by a central government or regional/local government department or from an organization with delegated authority from such a department. |
| F | Is the scheme used by a national or regional government agency?
|
| G | The certification is based on:
|
| H | Select the topics included in the scheme assessment: (multiple answers possible)
Note: Refers to the topics covered by the certification scheme in general, not to the topics included in the assessment of a particuylar asset. |
| I | Select the property types included in the scheme assessment: (multiple answers possible)
|
| J | Assessment details
|
| K | Additional information_____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ |
| L | Contact details
|
If you wish to add a new scheme in addition to the list that has been provided, please contact the GRESB Helpdesk, and you will be asked to complete the above-stated validation questions for the scheme.
GRESB’s accepted assurance and verification standards as well as criteria for accepted standards are aligned with the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
Organization website _________________
Office location (city/country) _________________
Who could GRESB contact for validation purposes?
This information is only used for validation purposes where the organization is not yet confirmed as a valid answer in GRESB’s validation database.
| Heat and energy | ||
| 1 mega joule | 239.0 | kilocalories |
| 947.8 | Btu | |
| 0.278 | kilowatt hours (kWh) | |
| 1 Gigawatt hour (GWh) | 1000 | Megawatt hour (MWh) |
| 1 kilowatt hour (kWh) | 860.4 | kilocalories |
| 0.001 | Megawatt hour (MWh) | |
| 3412.1 | Btu | |
| 1 million Btu | 1055 | mega joules |
| 252.2 | mega calories | |
| 293.1 | kilowatt hours (kWh) | |
| 0.29307 | Megawatt hour (MWh) | |
| 1 ton-hour | 0.003516 | Megawatt hour (MWh) |
| Cubic measures | ||
| 1 liter | 0.01 | hectoliter |
| 0.035 | cubic foot | |
| 0.001 | cubic meter | |
| 0.220 | Imperial gallon | |
| 0.264 | American gallon | |
| 1 American gallon | 0.134 | cubic foot |
| 0.003785 | cubic meter | |
| 3.785 | liters | |
| 0.833 | Imperial gallon | |
| 0.024 | American barrel | |
| 1 cubic foot | 0.028 | cubic meter |
| 28.317 | liters | |
| 6.229 | Imperial gallons | |
| 7.481 | American gallons | |
| 0.1781 | American barrel | |
| 1 Imperial gallon | 0.161 | cubic foot |
| 0.00456 | cubic meter | |
| 4.546 | liters | |
| 1.201 | American gallons | |
| 0.029 | American barrel | |
| 1 American barrel | 5.615 | cubic feet |
| 0.159 | cubic meter | |
| 158.99 | liters | |
| 34.973 | Imperial gallons | |
| 42 | American gallons | |
| 1 cubic meter | 35.315 | cubic feet |
| 1.000 | liters | |
| 219.97 | imperial gallons | |
| 264.17 | American gallons | |
| 6.290 | American barrels | |
| Areas | ||
| 1 square foot | 0.093 | square meter |
| 1 square meter | 10.764 | square feet |
| 1 square yard | 1.196 | square meter |
| 1 square mile | 2.59 | square kilometer |
| 1 acre | 4,046.86 | square meter |
| 43,560 | square feet | |
| Mass | ||
| 1 metric ton | 1,000 | kilogram |
| 1 pound | 0.45359 | kilogram |
| 0.00045 | metric tonnes | |
| 1 short ton | 2,000 | pounds |
| 0.90718 | metric tonnes | |
The peer group composition is determined by a simple set of quantitative rules and provides consistent treatment for all participants.The table below shows how peer groups are created for each participating entity.
Each table row represents a trial in which the system will create the optimum peer group for the entity. It describes the entity characteristics that are used to select the other entities for the peer group. The minimum peer group size is six entities. If there are insufficient entities with similar characteristics, one of the characteristics will be dropped and a new peer group will be determined from the remaining characteristics, based on the sequence displayed in the table.
The methodol includes multiple levels of specificity for location and property type.
For location, these are (in order of sequence): country, subregion, region, and super-region. If there are insufficient entities to create a peer group at the country level, the system will move on to sub-region, region, and finally super-region level, before moving on to the next trial.
The same logic is applied to property type, where the starting point is the specific property type as reported in RC5.1, followed by sector, and finally grouped sector as the selection characteristic.
| Trial # | Min size | Property type | Grouped property type | Country | Subregion | Region | Super-region | Legal status | Indirectly Managed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| 2 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| 3 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| 4 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| 5 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| 6 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| 7 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 8 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 9 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 10 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 11 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 12 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 13 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 14 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 15 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 16 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 17 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 18 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 19 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 20 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 21 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 22 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 23 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 24 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 25 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 26 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 27 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 28 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 29 | 6 | ✔ | |||||||
| 30 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 31 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 32 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| 33 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 34 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 35 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 36 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 37 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 38 | 6 | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| 39 | 6 | ✔ | |||||||
| 40 | 6 | ✔ | |||||||
| 41 | 6 | ✔ |
[Property type] can take a value from the following list:
[Group property type] can take a value from following lists
Retail
Industrial
Residential
Healthcare
Other
Diversified - Office/Retail
Diversified - Office/Industrial
Diversified - Office/Residential
Note: The country, subregion, region are defined using the UN country classification guidelines available here. The only Super-region used is Asia Pacific, grouped from Asia (code 142 in the UN classification) and Oceania (code 142 in the UN classification)
[Legal status] can take one of the following values:
[Indirectly Managed] portfolios are defined as portfolios with more than 75% portfolio (by floor area) classified as Indirectly Managed in RC5.1.
Customized Benchmark Reports
Participants who would like to be compared against a different peer group than the one assigned by GRESB can request a Customized Benchmark Report (click here for details). The GRESB Customized Benchmark Report provides advanced analytics through alternative indicator-level performance comparisons and rankings based on a self-selected peer group. It builds on the detailed insights you can draw from the standard Benchmark Report and adds additional flexibility to understand your relative performance in the market.
Sector Leaders
The GRESB Sector Leader program recognizes the best performers annually from across the GRESB Assessments. Achieving sector leader status is clear recognition of best practice ESG performance by real estate companies and funds. Sector Leaders are determined for each region (Regional Sector Leaders) and globally (Global Sector Leaders), taking legal status into account. It is possible for the same entity to be recognized as both a Regional Sector Leader and a Global Sector Leader.
Within each region, we need a minimum of 6 listed and 6 non-listed entities in order to assign Sector Leaders (as described in the table below). If we do not have 6 entities within each sector, we disregard the legal status. If fewer than 6 entities remain within a sector, we do not assign a Sector Leader for that region.
| Sector | Listed | Non-listed |
| Retail | ||
| Residential | ||
| Office | ||
| Industrial | ||
| Hotels | ||
| Healthcare | ||
| Other | ||
| Diversified | </tr> | |
| Diversified - Office/Retail | ||
| Diversified - Office/Residential | ||
| Diversified - Office/Industrial |
Green building is a global movement dedicated to creating better places for people and the environment. The next generation of green building practice will be powered by performance. Arc is a global platform to understand, score, and improve the performance of spaces, buildings, communities, and cities.
Arc supports investors and real asset companies with tools that make it:
Today, Arc helps provide better spaces for more than 2.7 million occupants in more than 50 countries around the world. These spaces are associated with 65 million metric tonnes of CO2e per year. Arc’s tools for cities and communities serve even more, estimated at 50 million residents. Arc is helping the decision makers that own, operate, and occupy these spaces and places reduce emissions, save operating costs, and enhance human experience. You can learn about the work of GRESB leaders, including Vornado, Kilroy, and Gerding Edlin.
www.cbre.com
Andrew Baker, Head of Sustainability, EMEA
andrew.baker@cbre.com
London, United Kingdom
CBRE is the world’s leading commercial property and real estate services adviser, providing a comprehensive range of commercial property services to our clients - investors, occupiers and developers. Sustainability is ingrained into all specialisms across CBRE, with our Energy and Sustainability (E&S) team providing clients with a tailored approach to align property strategy with environmental, social and governance best practice. We help our clients navigate legislation, reduce costs, improve asset performance and create more productive and healthy working environments.
We have an extensive track record of stakeholder engagement, and unparalleled insight into sustainable property management, including translating GRESB requirements into meaningful strategies, performance and outcomes across investment portfolios. This ensures environmental programmes are accurately reported in order to optimise performance under GRESB. In addition, our E&S team also uses its knowledge and network to provide tailored sustainability programs to ensure, wherever possible, its clients are aligned to the GRESB scoring methodology.
Our offering is delivered through our globally integrated team which comprises over two hundred specialist energy and sustainability consultants across the Americas, EMEA and APAC. This enables us to leverage our unique position as the world’s largest outsourced property manager, with the most extensive existing green building certification track record, to help our clients. In summary, CBRE helps our clients develop and review sustainability strategies to achieve optimal GRESB scores and provide real competitive advantage to meet ongoing sustainable goals.
As the pioneer of Wellness Real Estate™ and founder of the WELL Building Standard™, Delos is transforming our homes, offices, schools and other indoor environments by placing health and wellness at the center of design and construction decisions. The Delos platform includes technology, consulting, research, design and innovative solutions for the built environment – creating spaces that nurture and promote human health and well-being.
Delos is breaking new ground and defining the conditions required for enhancing wellness in all sectors of the built environment. Informed by seven years of research and rigorous analysis of environmental health impacts on people, Delos has fostered research collaborations with the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, a board of doctors from the Columbia University Medical Center and leading architects, scientists and wellness thought leaders to introduce wellness standards, programs and solutions into the built environment.
Exploring the intersection between people and the built environment, Delos creates spaces that actively contribute to human health, performance and well-being by marrying the best innovations in technology, health, science, design and enterprise. We see the built environment as an asset to maximize human potential, and we envision environments that enhance us – that are both proactive and reactive – to live better by cultivating healthy lifestyle choices and helping prevent health problems before they begin.
We have broadened the scope beyond environmental sustainability. By including the best concepts of green technology, we have developed integrated solutions that address human sustainability.
www.inogenet.com
Alex Ferguson, Managing Director
alex.ferguson@deltasimons.com
Lincoln, United Kingdom
Inogen is a global corporation providing multi-national organisations with consistent, high quality and cost-effective environmental, health & safety and sustainability solutions. With 165 offices located around the world, 4,330 staff worldwide and projects completed in 120 countries, Inogen is able to deliver services for our clients using locally based experts tied together within the Inogen alliance.
jll.co.uk/sustainability
Tom Branczik, Senior Consultant
tom.branczik@eu.jll.com
London, United Kingdom
JLL is a global financial and professional services firm that specializes in commercial real estate services and investment management. Being responsible about sustainability is at the heart of our business – and we are fully equipped to help any organization throughout the world align their sustainability goals with their strategic business objectives, ultimately driving outcomes that benefit your people, processes, profitability and the planet.
Our global team is comprised of more than 1,500 sustainability-accredited professionals across the globe – and our deeply experienced Energy and Sustainability Services practice is part of an industry-leading platform of overall commercial real estate and financial services. Since we understand every aspect of operating portfolios toward both environmental and financial objectives, we can make sure a strategy that looks good on paper will support your sustainability, technology, ROI and social responsibility goals once it is implemented because we excel at execution.
Our sustainability consultants can help you to create and communicate your sustainability vision, strategy, activities, performance and future goals to a broad range of stakeholders. Whether helping you to draft your first corporate sustainability report or engaging your staff through sustainability training programs, our professionals can guide you from concept and design through implementation and performance measurement.
With unrivalled experience and expertise across a range of sectors and geographies, JLL’s team understands sustainability within the context of your real estate strategy, and is ready to partner with you on your sustainability journey.
https://www.measurabl.com/
Courteney McDonnell, Director Customer Success
courteney.mcdonnell@ measurabl.com
San Diego, CA, United States
Commercial real estate represents nearly 20% of the world’s energy and water usage, 30% of its raw materials usage, and 20% of its carbon emissions. The complex issue of sustainability does not have a single answer; this requires a multifaceted, flexible solution across industries. Measurabl fills the role of making ESG data easy to measure, manage, and report regardless of a company’s size or type.
Measurabl is sustainability solved by software. More than 26,000 properties – representing 6 billion square feet across 70 countries – use Measurabl to measure, manage, and improve their environmental, social, governance performance, making it the world’s most widely adopted enterprise sustainability software. Measurabl gives companies the ability to automatically collect utility data, report on sustainability performance, and identify efficiency opportunities while simplifying reports to global sustainability benchmarks like GRESB and CDP. Our scalability has helped Measurabl emerge as the global clearinghouse for corporate non-financial data, empowering companies and their stakeholders to act and invest sustainably.
www.buildingtechnologies.siemens.com
Agustin Garcia del Castillo, Business Development Manager Real Estate
agustin.garcia@siemens.com
Zug, Switzerland
Siemens helps Asset Managers, Property Investors and Family Offices meet the growing demand for high performing work environments to improve occupancy rates, tenant satisfaction and valuations. Siemens supports the clients in their difficulties deploying energy efficiency programs and engaging tenants.
/www.wsp.com
Doug Webber, Vice President, Sustainability & Energy
douglas.webber@wsp.com
Toronto, ON, Canada
WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering professional services consulting firms. We provide services to transform the built environment and restore the natural environment. Our expertise ranges from environmental remediation to urban planning, from engineering iconic buildings to designing sustainable transport networks, and from developing the energy sources of the future to creating innovations that reduce environmental impact. We have approximately 34,000 employees, including engineers, technicians, scientists, architects, planners, surveyors, program and construction management professionals, and various sustainability experts, in more than 500 offices across 40 countries worldwide.
Yardi designs, develops, and supports software solutions for real estate owners and managers. Yardi products are available for nearly every real estate vertical, including commercial, multifamily, investment management, affordable, PHA, senior living, condo, student, single family, military, government and more. Yardi offers property management software that covers the full lifecycle of an asset, including sustainability. Yardi’s suites of energy solutions handle utility billing and submetering, energy management and energy automation to support clients’ ESG performance. Yardi was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in California with offices worldwide. For more information, visit yardi.com
