Changes to the 2016 GRESB Survey- Part Two

This is the second part to our blog on notable changes to the 2016 GRESB survey.

Pilot Indicators

Six new Pilot Indicators have been included in the 2016 survey. These are indicators that are not scored this year, but will be included in 2017. This level of transparency is a great method of promoting action and allowing participants to respond to a range of environmental impacts not currently scored by GRESB. Pilot indicators include completion of assessments to measure and improve water efficiency, waste management and health and well-being. Tracking the impact and uptake of green clauses also features.

Health and Well-being

GRESB has released a new Health and Well-being module in recognition of the rapidly emerging and important area of opportunity for the real estate industry. The module seeks, firstly, to address efforts to promote health & well-being of the employees responsible for real estate entities and secondly, to address efforts to provide products and services that promote health & well-being of tenants and/or customers.

A 2014 report issued by the World Green Building Council identified that staff costs typically account for about 90% of business operating costs; rental costs 9% and utilities 1%. The report identifies the “overwhelming evidence which demonstrates that the design of an office impacts the health, wellbeing and productivity of its occupants” –productivity improvements of up to 11% are identified as achievable where good indoor air quality conditions are maintained at recommended standards.

This is clearly an area that needs greater focus and GRESB has taken steps to start addressing the topic. It is noteworthy that some organisations are demonstrating leadership on this issue, but the message (and actions to be taken) needs to reach the masses.

New Assessments

In addition to the health and well-being module, three new separate assessments have been released:

• GRESB Developer Assessment – for organisations that develop projects or acquire properties exclusively for redevelopment and resale.
• GRESB Infrastructure Assessment – for assessing infrastructure assets and funds, such as airports, railways, ports, waste/water and energy management facilities.
• GRESB Real Estate Debt assessment – launched in 2015 to private real estate funds, the 2016 survey is open to banks, life companies, pension funds and mortgage REITs, in addition to real estate debt funds.

Asset Level Interface

Although not new to the 2016 survey, using the asset interface as a way of entering data is a tool that we recommend highly. The Asset Level Interface provides significant advantages over manual upload. For example, data outlier (validation) checks are made prior to upload. Automation reduces the risk of errors and the response speed to data queries is quicker and more specific. These are all important benefits as erroneous or unexplainable data will receive zero points. We are using our SIERA software platform to deliver this, which simplified the GRESB process enormously in 2015, delivering significant efficiencies.

More on SIERA

Overall, changes in the 2016 GRESB survey appear progressive in supporting the long term aim of improving Environmental, Social and Governance impacts within real estate. As stated in the first blog, the key to scoring well in GRESB remains the same:

1. Plan your strategy based on current and future risks and opportunities.
2. Prioritise delivery according to the value proposition.
3. Measure and report the ongoing impact.
4. Review new risks and opportunities and repeat from step 1.

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.