Why GRESB Keeps Evolving – and How to Keep Scoring High

Keeping pace with GRESB’s changes while also considering budget constraints, the pressure to compare with peers, and the constant demand to deliver results can feel like trying to hit a moving target – because that’s what you’re doing. ?

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In this blog post, we’ll explore why GRESB keeps refining its criteria, and how businesses can future-proof their strategies. Whether you’re aiming to improve your score or simply keep pace, understanding the “why” behind the changes is key to turning GRESB updates into opportunities.?

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The Why Behind the Changes

At its core, GRESB remains investor-driven. The growing complexity and specificity in the scoring system reflect what investors care about most – real and measurable improvements in sustainability practices. ?

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Investors love GRESB because it makes their job easier. Before, they were getting sustainability data in countless different formats, making it impossible to compare apples to apples. GRESB changed that by giving them a clear, consistent benchmark. Now, they can dive into the analytics, slice and dice their portfolios, and compare asset managers or regions on the industry’s hottest metrics. For them, it’s a go-to tool when deciding how to engage with asset managers and allocate capital – turning ESG from a headache into a clear decision-making process.??

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So, any changes in GRESB’s scoring are designed to cater to the industry by being more comparable, and to better reflect emerging sustainability trends:?

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Changes like the country-specific benchmarks are designed to reflect the unique sustainability challenges faced by different regions. This makes it possible for investors to measure and compare companies more accurately against their true peers, rather than them being lumped into broad categories.?

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Changes like adding new scoring logic and validation requirements on renewable energy quality and embodied carbon shows where industry is headed. This means it’s worth focusing on these areas – not just because they will earn points, but because they are critical components of a sustainable future.?

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Megan Hall, Sustainability Consultant at EVORA, explains: “GRESB is not static. The scheme is constantly evolving to ensure the criteria meets the changing landscape of sustainability, reflecting industry best practice, regulatory change, emerging trends and topics. These adaptations allow GRESB to stay relevant and valuable as a tool in measuring sustainability performance. With the standard evolving year on year, it is important that the whole sustainability agenda of participants is continuously improving and pushing towards the evermoving bar of best practice to ensure they are able to maintain or advance their performance within the scheme by fostering the best sustainability practices and performance.”?

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Don’t Get Too Comfortable

GRESB will continue to refine its criteria. That means it’s essential not to view GRESB reporting as a task to tick off but as part of a long-term sustainability strategy.?

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A strong sustainability strategy isn’t built around reacting to GRESB changes; If your sustainability plan considers transition risks, new regulations, and evolving environmental concerns, your GRESB score will naturally align with the criteria, even as they shift.?

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Think of it this way: preparing for GRESB by only focusing on today’s metrics is like studying for an exam by memorising answers to questions from last year’s test. You might pass, but you’ll be unprepared when the format changes. Instead, investing time in understanding the broader subject of sustainability will leave you better equipped for future shifts in scoring.?

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Your Game Plan for the Future?

Companies that do well on these fronts won’t just score better; they’ll be ahead of the curve in reducing their overall environmental impact – whatever benchmark or framework you’re working with.??

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In the end, GRESB is about more than just a score – it’s about demonstrating real progress in sustainability. With the right tools and strategy, the changes ahead can be opportunities to show true leadership in a rapidly shifting world.?

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At EVORA, we can help you with just that. We understand how GRESB works, how it can align with other strategies and how our clients can use, along with other tools, to protect value, manage risk and reputation.?We’re here to lighten the load and keep you on track for long-term success.?

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Ready to level up your GRESB reporting?