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Getting started with GRESB

Considering participating in the GRESB Infrastructure Assessments but unsure where to begin, what it requires, or how it will benefit your organization?

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Is GRESB for you?

Regardless of region, sector, size, or strategy, all infrastructure managers, developers, and asset owners and operators have a place in the GRESB Assessments. The methodology enables fair, apples-to-apples comparisons across infrastructure markets, sectors, and asset types—whether existing or in development—through curated peer groupings.

GRESB Infrastructure Assessments cover the full infrastructure lifecycle, from development through operation, ensuring consistent and comparable performance insights at every stage.

Infrastructure assets are foundational to economic resilience and the transition to a more sustainable future. Managers, developers, and asset owners and operators are increasingly expected to assess and report on performance in a structured and transparent way. As institutional and financial investors increasingly factor sustainability risks and opportunities into capital allocation decision, operational resilience, risk management, and long-term value creation are central to investment strategy.

GRESB serves as a strategic partner—providing structured benchmarks, performance insights, and a common language for investor-manager engagement.

View our 2025 GRESB participants to see the breadth of coverage across infrastructure markets.

When should I get started?

Starting early enables year-over-year improvement, demonstrates leadership to investors, and strengthens long-term infrastructure performance.

Delaying participation until data feels “complete” can postpone valuable insights that drive measurable progress. Early participation establishes a baseline, supports peer comparison, and provides a structured pathway to improvement.

Participation also ensures recognition within the GRESB Benchmarks—an important reference point for investors evaluating infrastructure strategies.

You can explore our first-year participant case studies to see how peers began their GRESB journey and the lessons they learned along the way.

Case Study

We chose GRESB because it is one of the most internationally recognized infrastructure benchmark standards. The process is clear and well-understood, providing a robust framework for measuring and reporting on our progress.”
Jan-Michael Dierkes
Managing Director & Head of ESG at DTCP Capital

What about scores?

Concerns about incomplete data or first-year scoring are common. To address this, new members are offered a Grace Period—the ability to participate in the first year without sharing results outside the organization. This provides time to become familiar with the assessment process without external scrutiny. Participants can also request a Pre-Submission Check and use the Assessment Correction to verify submissions and correct errors.

In 2025, new participants entering the Infrastructure Benchmarks recorded an average score of 73.4 for assets (up from 69 in 2024) and 92 for funds (up from 86).

This year-on-year improvement highlights a maturing infrastructure market, where new managers and operators are entering the Benchmark with more established management practices, stronger data foundations, and closer alignment with GRESB Standards. Looking at historical data, we also see that, on average, participants see a 10-point increase in their GRESB Score in their second year.

Some firms begin with the Management Component only, allowing them to report on governance and strategic practices before submitting detailed performance data. This phased approach supports steady progress while reducing first-year reporting burden.

Case Study
We chose to take advantage of the Grace Period, as we wanted to focus on getting to know GRESB as a reporting tool, find the right answers to the assessment questions, and stabilize the score for us as an entity to have a more reliable basis before publicly comparing ourselves with other companies.”

Nickie Excellie
Head of Sustainability & Communications, Alecta Fastigheter

How does GRESB support you?

Participating in GRESB is more than completing an assessment. From onboarding to results, GRESB provides structured support to help you navigate the reporting process with confidence.

As a participant, you benefit from:

  • 30-minute onboarding call with our Member Success Team
    New participants are offered a dedicated onboarding call to walk through the assessment structure, key timelines, and available resources—ensuring a clear and efficient start.
  • Grace Period for first-year participants
    In your first year, you may choose not to share results outside your organization. This allows you to establish a baseline and familiarize yourself with the process without external pressure.
  • Access to the GRESB Helpdesk
    Participants can contact the Helpdesk throughout the reporting period for clarification on indicators, technical questions, or submission requirements.
  • Training, documentation, and guidance resources
    GRESB provides a comprehensive suite of training materials, reference guides, scoring documentation, webinars, and supporting tools designed to streamline reporting and improve data quality.
  • Additional assessment services
    Participants can also take advantage of optional Assessment Services to support them before, during, and after the reporting period—helping ensure accuracy, strengthen submissions, and maximize the value of results.

For additional guidance, you can also explore The top 10 questions about GRESB, answered and How to prepare for a successful reporting period.

Do I need a consultant to participate?

Reporting on sustainability performance can require time and technical expertise. While many firms choose to work with external advisors, the GRESB Assessments are designed to be completed independently.

GRESB provides detailed guidance, documentation, and structured support throughout the submission process. Each firm can determine the approach that best fits its internal capabilities.

Many first-time participants choose to work with a GRESB Assessment Partner. These experienced sustainability consultants support participants throughout the GRESB Assessment process, including sustainability data management, reporting, and submission alignment. In addition, GRESB Solution Providers offer specialized tools, technologies, and services that help improve sustainability performance beyond the GRESB Assessment. These organizations support targeted, measurable improvements across portfolios throughout the year.

Explore the full Partner Directory to connect with the right organizations to support your goals.

GRESB Global Partners

How does the assessment work?

Real estate and infrastructure managers, companies, and asset owners and operators report their sustainability data to GRESB on an annual basis. Assessments open in April, close at the end of June, and preliminary and final results are released in September and October, respectively. See the full GRESB timeline here.

From their submission, participants receive:

  • Comparative performance insights relative to peers
  • A structured roadmap for strengthening performance
  • A platform for transparent engagement with investors

GRESB Investor Members

More than 150 institutional and financial investors, including many of the world’s most sophisticated pension funds and insurance companies, use GRESB to guide decision-making, simplify sustainability-related processes and engage with managers.

See all GRESB Investor Members

How do I get started?

Getting started is simple. Contact us to learn how the GRESB Assessments work and how investors use GRESB insights in their decision-making processes.

GRESB offers a suite of solutions and services designed to help members strengthen resilience, enhance performance, and maximize the value of participation.

To learn more about our services, reach out to us.

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