GRESB

GRESB is a global benchmark for environmental, social and governance sustainability.

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What is it?

GRESB, or the Global ESG Benchmark for Real Assets, is an organization that assesses the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of real estate and infrastructure portfolios around the world. It provides a standardized framework for measuring and benchmarking ESG practices, enabling investors to evaluate the sustainability and social impact of their assets.

GRESB assessments are based on a comprehensive framework that evaluates various factors, including energy efficiency, water usage, waste management, and social responsibility initiatives. The results help investors make informed decisions and guide property managers in improving their ESG performance.

If you have a specific aspect or topic regarding GRESB that you'd like to know more about, please let me know!

Who is it for?

Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) is a leading Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework for the real assets sector, which includes both real estate and infrastructure. Its standardized assessments provide transparency of ESG performance, leading to better understanding and enhancement of sustainability practices.

There are four primary audiences who use GRESB:

  1. Investors: Particularly institutional investors and asset owners who require transparent ESG performance data on their real estate and infrastructure investments to make informed decisions.
  2. Asset Managers: These firms manage real estate and/or infrastructure assets and rely on GRESB to compare their ESG performance against competitors, allowing them to improve their sustainability practices.
  3. Real Estate Companies: Companies engaged in property ownership and development who want to improve the sustainability of their operations and attract investment.
  4. Service Providers: As the providers of sustainability consulting, data reporting, and related services to the real estate and infrastructure sectors, these companies support the improvement of ESG performance.

Overall, GRESB's framework of assessment and reporting enables participants within the real estate and infrastructure sectors to effectively measure and boost their sustainability efforts.

When was it introduced?

GRESB, also known as the Global ESG Benchmark for Real Assets, was established in 2009. Its primary purpose is to offer standardized and robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data linked to real estate and infrastructure investments.

Since its inception, GRESB has been continuously updated, with major updates typically happening on an annual basis. These updates aim to reflect the evolving practices in the industry and the expectations of stakeholders. They can encompass a variety of modifications, ranging from changes in the methodology of assessment and the criteria to the frameworks for reporting.

For the most recent updates and changes, it is advisable to visit the GRESB's official website or refer to their most recent reports.

Why is it important?

GRESB, which stands for Global ESG Benchmark for Real Assets, carries significant importance for various reasons:

  1. Sustainability Metrics: GRESB provides a structured method to assess the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of real estate and infrastructure assets. It allows organizations to gauge the efficiency of their sustainability efforts and pinpoint potential areas for improvement.
  2. Investor Demand: With the growing demand from investors for sustainable investment opportunities, GRESB assessments support asset managers in displaying their commitment to sustainability, thereby attracting additional investment.
  3. Benchmarking: GRESB enables real asset investors and managers to compare their performance against their industry peers. Such competitive analysis can spur competition and stimulate organizations to adopt industry-leading practices in ESG performance.
  4. Regulatory Compliance: Given the increasing worldwide imposition of stricter regulations regarding sustainability and climate change, GRESB assessments can aid companies in ensuring compliance and steering clear of potential penalties.
  5. Stakeholder Engagement: Participation in the GRESB assessment allows organizations to engage with a range of stakeholders, including tenants, investors, and regulators, thereby demonstrating their commitment to sustainable practices and transparency.
  6. Performance Improvement: The feedback acquired from GRESB assessments yields insights that could lead to operational enhancements, cost reductions, and increased asset value over time.

In conclusion, GRESB plays an essential role in advancing sustainability within the real asset industry. It improves transparency and marries stakeholder interests with enduring sustainable practices.

What do organisations need to do?

To provide accurate guidance on how organizations can comply with GRESB, it's important first to understand what GRESB is. GRESB, or the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark, assesses the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of real assets globally and encourages improvements in sustainability practices across the real estate sector.

Here are some steps organizations can take to comply with GRESB guidelines and improve their performance:

  1. Familiarize with GRESB Standards: Understand the GRESB standards and methodology, including the different assessments available (Real Estate Assessment, Infrastructure Assessment, etc.). Each assessment has specific criteria that need to be met.
  2. Data Collection and Management: Collect relevant ESG data across all properties and portfolios. This includes data on energy consumption, water usage, waste management, carbon emissions, and social impacts. A robust data management system helps ensure accuracy and completeness.
  3. Benchmark Performance: Use GRESB's benchmarks to compare performance against peers and industry standards. This provides insight into areas where improvements can be made.
  4. Engage Stakeholders: Involve relevant stakeholders in your organization, including management, sustainability teams, and property managers, to ensure a holistic approach to sustainability initiatives.
  5. Set SMART Goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) sustainability goals that align with GRESB criteria. This could involve setting targets for energy reduction, waste management improvements, or enhancing social impact initiatives.
  6. Implement Sustainability Practices: Undertake initiatives aimed at improving sustainability in operations. This could include upgrading building systems for energy efficiency, implementing water conservation measures, and enhancing community engagement.
  7. Training and Education: Educate employees on the importance of sustainability and their role in achieving the organization's goals. Regular training sessions can help maintain high engagement and compliance levels.
  8. Regular Reporting and Review: Continuously monitor, review, and report on ESG performance. This involves establishing a reporting framework that aligns with GRESB requirements to track progress on sustainability initiatives.
  9. Third-Party Verification: Consider obtaining third-party verification for sustainability practices and data accuracy, which can add credibility to your GRESB submission.
  10. Stay Updated on Changes: GRESB updates its standards and criteria regularly. Staying informed about these changes ensures that your organization remains compliant and competitive in the assessments.

By following these steps, organizations can effectively engage with GRESB and enhance their sustainability performance within the real estate sector.

What are the benefits?

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.

Our consultants

Our results

Using independent sustainability consultants with Leafr just makes sense

3x

More cost effective

Clients report significant savings compared to alternative hiring approaches

Lower Risks
48 hrs

Hiring time

We will find you the best person for the role in record time

High Project
100%

Trial to hire rate

We offer a risk-free trial period on every project. Not satisfied? Find someone else for free

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Here’s what our customers say

Hear how our vetted sustainability consultants have driven meaningful change for our clients

Good communication, flexible schedule and delivered exactly what was agreed and on time. Would work with her again!

Alexander Pfeiffer
CEO
at
Terralytiq

Tom helped us with calculating our carbon footprint outputs from 2019 to 2023. He managed everything end to end with minimal client direction. It was seamless and effortless. He's an excellent professional.

Bolu
COO
at
Miai

The support's been great from when we first started speaking, you wrote the brief for me and did all the sourcing. So that was fantastic. Communication has been great. The level of engagement has been brilliant.

Nick Anderdon
CFO
at
Freddies Flowers

‍Working with Leafr has been a pleasure from the beginning. Leafr has a wide network of talented individuals, and they have been able to seamlessly connect us with strong candidates for our various projects.

Lara
Partner
at
Xynteo

Leafr's marketplace boasts an extensive network of highly talented individuals. They have effortlessly connected us with great candidates. Leafr has become our go-to for skilled sustainability professionals.

Brenan Hodkinson
CRO
at
Apiday

Whenever you hire consultants you worry whether they'll be as motivated or skilled as your team. Every Leafr consultant has been so impressive. We spoke to several sustainability agencies and this has been far better value.

Guadalupe Oliver
CEO
at
Candoe

Our expert immediately became a seamless addition to our team. Her work showed a mastery of ESG and a strong understanding of the financial sector. We'd love the opportunity to work with her again.

Jess Katz
Director
at
TRIPTIK

What you get by working with us

When you work with Leafr, we make sure to deliver - every time.

Flexibility

Flexibility

We adapt to your needs, offering tailored solutions that evolve as your sustainability goals and challenges change.

Quality

Quality

We don’t compromise. We connect you with specialists who deliver exceptional work, ensuring every project meets the highest standards.

Value

Value

We maximise impact while keeping costs low, ensuring you get exceptional results within your budget, with a clear focus on return on investment.

Commitment - Workplace X Webflow Template

Commitment

Your mission becomes ours. We’re dedicated to supporting you from start to finish, no matter the complexity or duration.

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Ownership

We take responsibility for our work, proactively managing projects and driving outcomes that align with your vision.

The values that drive everything we do

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Flexibility

Flexibility

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Quality

Quality

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Value

Value

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Commitment - Workplace X Webflow Template

Commitment

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Ownership - Workplace X Webflow Template

Ownership

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Do you need to align with a specific framework or regulation?

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Our consultants have delivered for the best across industries

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Construction & Real Estate
Place for People
Construction & Real Estate
Foster and Partners
Construction & Real Estate
Battersea Powerstation
Banking and Investment
Clarien
Banking and Investment
Tokoro Capital
Construction & Real Estate
Broll
Construction & Real Estate
Hilti Group
Banking and Investment
M&G
Banking and Investment
IP Group
Banking and Investment
UBS
Banking and Investment
Morgan Stanley
Banking and Investment
Apex
Banking and Investment
JP Morgan
Banking and Investment
Planet A Ventures
Banking and Investment
Natwest
Banking and Investment
Triodos Bank
Banking and Investment
Sustainable Ventures
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Our vetting process

Each applicant must pass our stringent vetting process before working with clients. Only those meeting our high standards are accepted. We test for behavioural competency, technical skills,  sustainability experience, and culture fit.

20% pass rate

In-depth skill review

Each consultant submits a written application along with case studies of their work. This ensures they have the specialised technical skills to tackle your sustainability challenges.

12% pass rate

Live screening

We interview each candidate for behavioural and technical skills, and test against our detailed  sustainability skillset matrix. We also ask for references and testimonials.

3% pass rate

Test projects & peer review

With the help of our experts, we review past projects to verify the consultant’s ability to deliver impactful sustainability outcomes.

Need help with your sustainability initiatives?

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How it works

Go from search to hire in as little as 48 hrs.

Project

1. Create project

Post your job description or work with us to write one on your behalf

Talent

2. See the best profiles

No more sifting through 100s of CVs. See a shortlist of the best 3-5 consultants within hours.

Interview

3. Interview & start project

Hire your favourite candidate and start working. There is a risk-free trial period on each project.

Frequently asked questions

Hiring a sustainability consultant can be a daunting process. Here we answer some of the common concerns we hear.

Will the consultant be available when I need them?

Leafr consultants are committed to your project�s success. We ensure they have the availability you need, and our support team is on hand to address any urgent requirements. Our consultants are trusted by top organisations because of their reliability and commitment.

How will you handle our sensitive or confidential information?

Confidentiality is a top priority at Leafr. All consultants sign strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and are trained to handle sensitive information with the utmost care, ensuring your business data remains secure. This is part of why organisations worldwide trust our consultants.

What if the consultant pushes solutions that are too expensive to implement?

Leafr consultants focus on providing cost-effective, practical solutions. They work within your budget constraints and prioritise recommendations that offer the most value without unnecessary expenditure. We offer a risk-free period so you can evaluate their proposals without financial risk.

Will working with a consultant disrupt our current operations?

Our consultants are skilled at integrating smoothly into existing operations. They work with minimal disruption, focusing on enhancing your processes rather than interrupting them. Their experience with top organisations ensures a seamless fit into your team.

I'm worried the consultant might leave the project halfway through.

Continuity is ensured through our rigorous project management oversight. Leafr consultants are committed professionals, and we have contingency plans in place to guarantee that your project will be completed even if unforeseen circumstances arise. Our 100% project satisfaction rating is a testament to our reliability.

I'm worried about committing long-term just to see results.

Leafr offers flexible engagement options. Whether you need short-term assistance or long-term support, we tailor our services to match your desired commitment level. Our risk-free period allows you to explore these options without long-term obligations.

What happens if the consultant becomes unavailable or the project gets delayed?

We have a robust network of consultants, so if any unexpected issues arise, we can quickly provide an equally qualified replacement to keep your project on track. Leafr�s support team is always available to manage and mitigate any potential delays. We also offer a risk-free period to give you peace of mind.

Is the cost-benefit ratio of hiring a consultant really worth it?

Leafr consultants are chosen for their ability to deliver clear ROI. We ensure that the value they bring far outweighs the investment, with tailored solutions that directly impact your bottom line. Plus, our risk-free period allows you to assess the value without commitment.

Will the consultant communicate effectively with our team?

Effective communication is a cornerstone of our consultants� approach. We ensure clear, consistent communication throughout the project, fostering collaboration and alignment with your team. This commitment to communication is a key factor in our 100% project satisfaction rating.

Will my team need retraining after the consultant leaves?

Our consultants focus on knowledge transfer, equipping your team with the skills and understanding they need to sustain progress after the project concludes. This ensures that the improvements are lasting and your team remains confident moving forward.

Will the consultant stay updated with the latest sustainability trends and regulations?

Leafr consultants are experts in their fields, continuously updating their knowledge of the latest trends and regulations. We ensure they bring the most current insights to your project, supported by ongoing training and development opportunities.

I'm concerned about how to assess the consultant's performance effectively.

Leafr provides clear metrics and regular updates, allowing you to track the consultant�s progress and assess the impact of their work. We also encourage feedback to ensure expectations are met. Our 100% project satisfaction rating reflects our dedication to transparency and performance.

How soon will we see results from the consultant's work?

While sustainability initiatives often have long-term goals, our consultants focus on delivering quick wins and measurable progress early in the engagement, ensuring you see value from the outset. Our risk-free period allows you to experience these early results firsthand.

I'm worried the consultant might not fully commit if they have multiple clients.

Our consultants are dedicated to delivering results. Leafr carefully manages consultant workloads to ensure your project receives the attention and commitment it deserves. Our 100% project satisfaction rating is a testament to our consultants� focus and dedication.

What if the consultant doesn't understand my specific industry or business model?

At Leafr, we thoroughly vet our consultants to ensure they have deep expertise in various industries. We match you with specialists who have proven experience in your sector, ensuring they understand your unique challenges and goals. Our consultants have been trained and trusted by the best organisations worldwide.

Not sure where to start?

Book a free call with an expert in X of our consultants. They will help you understand your current position, build out an initial strategy and prioritise the most impactful projects to work on.

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