GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) is a globally recognised standard for measuring the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of real estate and infrastructure portfolios. By offering a standardised framework, GRESB allows investors, asset managers, and property owners to gauge ESG practices consistently across different regions and asset types.

• Key Focus Areas: Energy efficiency, water usage, waste management, and social responsibility.
• Purpose: Enable investors to evaluate sustainability risks and opportunities, while guiding property managers on best practices for improving ESG outcomes.

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1. Investors (Institutional & Asset Owners)
   They rely on GRESB data to inform decisions, track ESG performance in their portfolios, and meet growing sustainability mandates.
2. Asset Managers
   GRESB’s benchmarking tools help compare performance against peers, spotlighting areas where asset managers can optimise their sustainability efforts.
3. Real Estate Companies & Developers
   Property owners and developers use GRESB metrics to enhance the sustainability profile of their properties, attracting new investment and satisfying tenant expectations.
4. Service Providers
   Sustainability consultants, data specialists, and reporting platforms leverage GRESB standards to assist organisations in improving ESG performance and compliance.

Established in 2009, GRESB has evolved through annual updates that reflect shifting industry trends and stakeholder priorities. Over time, its methodology has expanded to incorporate more robust climate, social, and governance considerations. To stay current, always refer to the latest GRESB reports and announcements.

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1. Understand GRESB Standards
Familiarise yourself with GRESB’s real estate and infrastructure assessments, noting the specific criteria each segment requires.

2. Collect & Manage Data
Gather ESG metrics like energy use, water consumption, waste output, and social engagement. Reliable data management underpins accurate and transparent reporting.

3. Benchmark Performance
Compare your results against global and regional peers using GRESB’s scoring methodology. Pinpoint where you excel and where there’s room for improvement.

4. Engage Stakeholders
Involve leadership teams, property managers, and frontline staff in your ESG strategy to ensure alignment and foster a culture of sustainability.

5. Set SMART Goals
Implement specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound sustainability targets (e.g., energy reduction, carbon neutrality, community engagement).

6. Apply Sustainability Initiatives
Adopt green building practices, invest in energy-efficient retrofits, and create policies that encourage social responsibility and governance best practices.

7. Monitor & Report Regularly
Stay consistent with GRESB guidelines. Annual re-assessments and continual improvement efforts show commitment and help raise your GRESB score over time.

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Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), also known as the Global ESG Benchmark for Real Assets, is a crucial tool that measures the sustainability performance of real estate and infrastructure investments. Participating in GRESB assessments offers numerous benefits, including:

1. Enhanced Reputation: A stellar GRESB score has the potential to significantly boost an organization's reputation among key stakeholders such as investors and tenants, setting the organization apart as a frontrunner in sustainability.
2. Attracting Investment: With the rise in environmentally conscious investing, a high GRESB score can pique the interest of capital investors who place a premium on sustainable investment practices.
3. Benchmarking: GRESB offers a unique opportunity to measure your performance against peers in the industry, enabling organizations to gauge their standing and pinpoint areas that need improvement.
4. Risk Management: Evaluations carried out during GRESB assessments can help organizations to spot potential risks linked to climate change, scarcity of resources, or regulatory shifts, thereby offering a chance to address these risks effectively.
5. Operational Efficiency: Undergoing the GRESB assessment process prompts organizations to establish sustainable practices which often result in enhanced operational efficiencies, such as energy and resource savings.
6. Improved Stakeholder Engagement: Participation in GRESB can serve as a valuable medium for communicating with stakeholders about an organization's sustainability initiatives and accomplishments.
7. Compliance and Reporting: GRESB helps in bringing organizations in line with the global sustainability reporting frameworks and meeting regulations related to ESG disclosures.
8. Continuous Improvement: The GRESB assessment framework promotes a culture of continuous enhancement in sustainability practices, nurturing an atmosphere of innovation and responsibility.
9. Access to Resources: GRESB members can leverage a variety of resources like industry reports, best practice guidelines, and networking opportunities, which can support organizations in pursuing their sustainability objectives.
10. Focus on Long-term Value Creation: Involvement in GRESB promotes a long-term perspective on sustainability, aligning the investors' interests with those of the environment and society.

In essence, harnessing these benefits can augment an organization's overall sustainability performance while empowering positive environmental and societal outcomes

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is a GRESB score determined?
GRESB uses a weighted scoring system across areas like management, policy, environmental performance, and stakeholder engagement. Each section contributes a percentage to the final score.

Q2: Does GRESB only apply to large portfolios?
No. While widely used by institutional investors, GRESB’s framework can guide sustainability improvements for portfolios of any size.

Q3: How often should we submit to GRESB?
GRESB conducts annual assessments. Organisations typically submit data once a year and use feedback to drive continuous enhancements.

Q4: What’s the difference between GRESB and other ESG benchmarks?
GRESB focuses specifically on real assets, including real estate and infrastructure, offering more granular insights than general ESG rating systems.

Q5: Can consultants help boost our GRESB performance?
Yes. GRESB-savvy consultants assist with data collection, strategy, stakeholder engagement, and project implementation—often accelerating ESG progress and improving scores.

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