GRESB 2018 Top Tips. Part 2 of 2

Looking to boost your GRESB 2018 score but not sure where to start? Never fear, as here at EVORA we have conducted extensive analysis of results and come up with some tips and tricks for picking up points.

Read Part 1 ‘What have we learnt from the GRESB 2017 results?‘ here.

Visit our GRESB support service page.

GRESB 2018 Top Tips

1. Get an EMS

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is an organisation-level framework for the review, evaluation, and improvement of environmental performance. When aligned with the ISO 14001 standard, an EMS is immediately worth 2.5 points on the GRESB survey. Furthermore, an EMS helps you plan and direct environmental action to areas of the business where it will have the biggest effect, which will in turn generate further GRESB points. If you don’t have one already, our experts here at EVORA can help you develop an EMS uniquely tailored to the wants and needs of your organisation.

2. Data Data Data!

The methods for data collection and the extent of data coverage are huge elements of your final GRESB score, so getting a well-organised process in place is crucial for good performance. Table 1 summarises where data matters in the GRESB survey and how EVORA can help:

Table 1: The points available in GRESB 2017 for data capture and management

We are still waiting to hear if there will be any changes to the scoring for GRESB 2018, but we can guarantee that data capture and management will have a huge part to play again.

To find out more about our specialist data management software, visit the SIERA page or give the office a call on +44 (0)20 3266 7333 and we will be happy to tell you more.

3. Get Audited

Conducting technical building assessments is a great way to improve environmental performance, and another opportunity to rack up GRESB points. GRESB does not fully disclose the scoring system for the technical building assessment question, but by analysing client data we have developed a strong understanding of the scoring model used in the 2017 survey, based on the percentage coverage (by lettable area) where audits have been completed:

Table 2: Approximate scoring categories for GRESB Q16: Completion of Technical Building Assessments by floor area coverage

Whilst the overall question is scored out of 4.5, each category of assessment has its own limit to the points that can be achieved, and is then subdivided into four scoring categories based on portfolio coverage.

An important point to note is that we found no instances where a portfolio had some coverage but scored no points. This means an assessment of any type conducted anywhere, even on the smallest of assets, will immediately get you GRESB points.

[clickToTweet tweet=”This means assessment of any type, anywhere, even on the smallest assets, will get you GRESB points!” quote=”This means an assessment of any type conducted anywhere, even on the smallest of assets, will immediately get you GRESB points”]

Furthermore, such assessments actively seek to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements. These opportunities not only helps you to save on utility bills, but can improve your scores on GRESB Questions 17 and 18, which relate directly to the implementation of energy and water efficiency measures. Our team of experts is experienced in the completion of all kinds of audits, so get in touch to learn more about what we can do for you.

4. Get Certified

With a global average score of just 46, the Certification & Energy Ratings section is the GRESB aspect where there is most room for improvement. It is also something we know all about here at EVORA.

The scoring for Question 30 (regarding green building certificates) is a little complex, but essentially the portfolio coverage of New Construction and Operational certificates are benchmarked against that of other entities in your region within each GRESB property type, and you end up with a score for each property type of either 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10. All the scores are then weighted based on Gross Asset Value, and combined into a final question score out of 10. A full description of how the scoring was done can be found in the GRESB Reference Guide, or alternatively get in touch and we’ll be happy to explain it in full.

Figure 3: Points Scored vs New Construction certificate coverage for European offices in GRESB 2017

The key take-away is that there are real opportunities to pick up lots of points here. This is because the current low level of certification in real estate portfolios worldwide means that the benchmarking procedure used bottom-loads the scoring. As a result, even small amounts of certification coverage in your portfolio can score well, particularly if you have a combination of both New Construction and Operational certificates. Figure 3 focuses specifically on New Construction certificates amongst European offices, a particularly well certified property type, and shows that less than 50% certification coverage would have scored 8 out of 10 for this property type in GRESB 2017. Other property types benchmark even lower, so require even less coverage to rack up points.

[clickToTweet tweet=”BREEAM In Use, as one of most widely recognised certification schemes in the world, is ideal choice” quote=”BREEAM In Use, as one of the most widely recognised and respected certification schemes in the world, is an ideal choice”]

Of course, as certification becomes more popular worldwide this will drive up the benchmark percentages, but don’t let that dissuade you from an excellent opportunity to improve your GRESB score. BREEAM In Use, as one of the most widely recognised and respected certification schemes in the world, is an ideal choice, and is a service that we can provide. Get in touch to learn more.

Changes for the 2018 survey

Because of the constant shifting nature of sustainability and the real estate industry, GRESB reviews its survey each year and tends to make some changes to the scoring system. These are yet to be announced but, as a premier partner, EVORA is at the heart of the process, has a strong idea of how it will evolve, and is keeping tabs on GRESB releases on our clients’ behalf. Check out this blog by our Founder & Director Ed Gabbitas on GRESB’s ongoing review as an example.

We look forward to supporting you through GRESB 2018!

For enquiries regarding GRESB support or any other of our services, give our office a call on +44 (0)20 3266 7333, or email us at [email protected].

As a GRESB Real Estate Premier Partner, we are perfectly positioned to provide GRESB support. View our official Premier Partner profile.

We can work with you to complete the submission and understand your scoring, as well as develop a sustainability plan that will improve your future GRESB performance and align with your organisation’s key environmental objectives.