Achieving GRESB Gains: Level Up with Green Building Certifications

GRESB preliminary results are in and this can either be a time to pat yourself on the back or look for ways to improve. Boosting your GRESB score doesn’t have to be a daunting task—it can be an exciting journey! Think of it as leveling up in a game where your mission is to create more sustainable and energy-efficient properties. With the right strategies, a committed team, and a bit of creativity, you can turn this challenge into a rewarding experience that not only increases your score but also benefits the environment. Let’s dive into the fun ways to make your properties greener and your GRESB score soar!

What is GRESB?

GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) is a leading organization that evaluates the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance of real estate and infrastructure portfolios. High GRESB scores are increasingly becoming a benchmark for investment attractiveness, making it crucial for property managers and owners to improve their ESG credentials. One of the most effective ways to do this is by obtaining green building certifications.

Why Green Building Certifications Matter for GRESB

Green building certifications are not just a badge of honor; they directly impact your GRESB scores. These certifications push buildings to reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, and create healthier environments. GRESB recognizes various certifications, assigning them points that contribute to your properties’ overall score. These points are awarded at the asset level and aggregated at the portfolio level, making certifications a strategic move for enhancing your GRESB standing.

Boost your GRESB Scores with Certifications

1. Identify the Right Certification for Your Building
   • LEED for Building Operations + Maintenance: This is the gold standard for green building certifications. If your building has a strong ENERGY STAR score (75 or above), LEED could significantly boost your GRESB score. Consider pursuing LEED v4 for a comprehensive approach, or LEED v4.1 for a streamlined, performance-based alternative which doesn’t require a specific ENERGY STAR score.
   • Fitwel: If health and wellness are priorities, Fitwel is an excellent option. With no required prerequisites, you can focus on strategies that align with your building’s strengths, making it easier to achieve certification.
   • WELL Building Standard: For buildings aiming to be leaders in health and wellness, WELL is the certification to pursue. Although it requires a longer commitment (12-18 months), the benefits to both your GRESB score and tenant satisfaction can be substantial.

Get started: Conduct an initial assessment to determine which certification aligns best with your building’s current performance and sustainability goals. Reach out to our consultants if you need help deciding.

1. Leverage Quick Wins with Lesser-Known Certifications
   • WELL Health and Safety Rating: If you’re looking for a quicker, more focused certification, this rating might be the way to go. With a shorter timeline (4-6 months) and a lower price tag, it can be an effective way to enhance your GRESB score while also addressing current concerns like health and safety.
   • IREM Certified Sustainable Property: This is a cost-effective option, especially for buildings already certified by ENERGY STAR or LEED. IREM offers a fast track and could be a great add-on to boost your GRESB score without significant investment.

Get started: Review the specific GRESB requirements and see if any of these certifications offer a quick win based on your building’s current credentials.

1. Develop a Certification Strategy for Portfolio-Level Impact
   • Plan and Prioritize: Not all buildings in your portfolio may be ready for LEED or WELL certification, but starting with a few flagship properties can create momentum. Use these successes to build a case for further certifications across the portfolio and consider WELL at scale as a portfolio-wide strategy.
   • Aggregate Your Scores: Remember that GRESB aggregates scores at the portfolio level, so even smaller buildings with lower certifications can contribute to your overall score.

Get started: Create a roadmap for achieving certifications across your portfolio, starting with properties that can be certified quickly and affordably. Use these initial successes to push for broader adoption.

1. Optimize Certification Processes
   • Engage Experts Early: Certification processes can be complex and time-consuming. Engaging experts early in the process can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your project stays on track.
   • Track and Document: Maintain thorough documentation and track performance data regularly. This not only helps in achieving certification but also makes renewals easier.

Get started: Partner with a certification consultant or project manager to streamline the process. Set up a system for tracking and documenting performance data consistently.

Why GRESB Scores Matter Now More Than Ever

This year’s GRESB preliminary results revealed a drop in scores across the industry, making it crucial to take action and improve. While this may seem discouraging, it’s a chance to re-strategize and boost your ESG performance. Focusing on green building certifications can help you recover lost points and position your portfolio for long-term success.

GRESB scores are more important than ever as investors increasingly prioritize ESG performance. A strong score enhances your reputation, making your properties more attractive to investors. Now is the time to act and secure your competitive edge in sustainability.

Ready to boost your GRESB scores? Contact us to guide you through every step of the certification process, from selecting the right certification to achieving it efficiently.