GRESB consulting helps assess and compare real estate and property sustainability
GRESB – what is it and why is it important?
GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark) is an international assessment and reporting tool used for the sustainability evaluation of real estate investments. It comprehensively reviews the environmental responsibility, social responsibility, and governance (ESG) of organizations.
GRESB assessment was introduced to the real estate sector in 2009, and participant numbers have grown since then. In 2023, over 2,000 reporters were registered, and in 2025, more than 2,100 organizations participated globally, with over a thousand from Europe. In an environment of tightening regulations and increasing expectations, GRESB has established itself as an international benchmarking tool for the real estate sector.
What does GRESB assess?
GRESB is based on reliable data, comparability, and risk-based assessment. The evaluation examines how property portfolios perform on strategic and operational levels. It covers, among other things:
- Sustainability management and governance models
- ESG goals and risk management
- Reporting and stakeholder collaboration
- Tenant role and engagement
- Operational performance, such as energy consumption, emissions, water use, waste management, and the coverage of consumption data
- Property certifications and other quality indicators
The combination of strategic-level and concrete performance demonstrates that sustainability is not limited to goals or policies — it is evident in the daily operations, management, and continuous improvement of portfolios.
How does the GRESB assessment work?
The GRESB assessment is carried out through an annually updated survey. The response portal is open from April to June, and the final results are published in early October in the fall. As a result of the evaluation, an organization receives:
- 0–100 score, representing the overall assessment
- 1–5 star rating, indicating relative performance in international comparison
However, the value of the evaluation is not limited to scores. GRESB produces extensive benchmark data that helps organizations identify their strengths, areas for improvement, and their position relative to similar entities worldwide.
In a situation where the importance of ESG information is increasing, GRESB serves as a consistent and reliable benchmark.
Sweco supports GRESB assessment comprehensively — from data collection and preliminary scoring to final analysis and development recommendations.
