GRESB Inside ESG: 2024 Real Estate Assessment Q&A

#GRESB2024: Navigating New #Assessment Changes Key Takeaways:

• Understanding GRESB's updated manual validation for indicators RM 6.1 to RM 6.4.
• The introduction of time factors in building certifications impacts scoring methodology.
• Adjusting to the removal of the 'Entity Reporting to Investors' option in RP1.

Further Insights

1. Assessment Update: 2024 brings changes, including new manual validations for risk management indicators and scoring adjustments for building certifications, reflecting the evolving relevance of certifications over time.

2. Scoring Adjustments: The reallocation of scores for some indicators while maintaining the overall ESG score distribution across dimensions. Notably, the development component's impact and scoring method have evolved.

3. Reporting Period: The reporting period begins April 1st, with a grace period that aids first-year participants in understanding GRESB's reporting process, highlighting the importance of managing entity users' rights properly.

4. Evidence Upload: Clarifies the criteria for acceptable evidence and introduces the role of external contributors in the evidence upload process. Summarizes policy updates and the flexibility for corporate-level submissions.

5. Reporting Tools: Introduction of template tools and prefilling options to streamline reporting for entities managing multiple assets, focusing on efficiencies in the assessment process.

6. Country Benchmarking: The integration of country in the benchmarking methodology for more granular scoring and better insight into performance metrics, altering the landscape for building certifications scoring.

Closing Thoughts: As we navigate these changes, it's crucial to consider how the altered validation and scoring criteria will influence our strategic approach to ESG reporting. How will these evolutions in the assessment criteria impact your organization's sustainability goals and reporting practices?