DBC1.1: Green Building Standard Requirements

Maximum Score

4 points

Input Method

Assessment Portal

Prefill

Not eligible

Scoring method

Static

Validation

Evidence not required

2026 Updates

Yes

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Does the entity’s development portfolio include projects that are aligned with green building rating standards?

Assessment Instructions

Intent: What is the purpose of this indicator?

This indicator evaluates whether the entity incorporates recognized green building standards into its development process. Using these standards helps guide the design and construction of higher-quality, resource-efficient assets and provides external assurance of their sustainability performance.

Input: How do I complete this indicator?

Select yes or no. If yes, also (1) select all applicable sub-options, (2) select portfolio coverage, and (3) specify:

1. Green building standard: include all applicable green building rating systems that projects are aligned with

2. Green building certificates: include all applicable green building certificates that projects are required to earn

3. Level of certification: include all applicable rating systems and certification levels adopted as a standard by the entity.

The Building Certification Scheme List appendix contains the complete list of recognized green building certifications.

Portfolio coverage: Portfolio coverage is calculated based on the floor area. The numerator is the floor area to which the selected answer option applies. The denominator is the total floor area of all development projects as reported in DR1.

The level achieved with successful completion of the rating scheme.

Example

A reporting entity follows standard practices across its portfolio to align with the LEED BD+C rating system. During the reporting year, the following standards were applied:

• 100% of projects must align with LEED BD+C

• 75% of projects must achieve LEED BD+C certification at any level.

• 25% of projects must achieve LEED BD+C Silver certification or higher.

The entity should report as follows:

• The entity requires projects to align with the requirements of a third-party green building rating system, but does not require certification: Percentage of portfolio covered = 25%.

• The entity requires projects to achieve certification with a green building rating system, but does not require a specific level of certification: Percentage of portfolio covered = 50%.

• The entity requires projects to achieve a specific (above the minimum) level of certification: Percentage of portfolio covered = 25%.

A reporting entity requires 100% of its portfolio to align with the BREEAM NC standard. Of these, 20% of projects are required to achieve at least BREEAM NC Pass certification (minimum) or higher. The entity should report as follows:

• The entity requires projects to align with the requirements of a third-party green building rating system, but does not require certification: Percentage of portfolio covered = 80%.

• The entity requires projects to achieve certification with a green building rating system, but does not require a specific level of certification: Percentage of portfolio covered = 20%.

• The entity requires projects to achieve a specific (above the minimum) level of certification: Percentage of portfolio covered = 0%.

Terminology

Green building rating standard

A rating system/certificate for real estate assets that uses a wide set of environmental criteria. Successful completion of the rating assessment typically results in the award of a certificate that records (a) the completion of the rating assessment process and (b) the level achieved.

Validation: What evidence is required?

This indicator does not require evidence. However, GRESB validates the following information:

• Green building rating systems: State the green building standard used by the entity. This includes design and construction building rating standards, as well as operational certifications, provided they are applicable for alignment with the development process. Participants can also report alignment with operational green building rating standards under the option “The entity requires projects to align with requirements of a third-party green building rating system but does not require certification”.

• Level of certification (above the minimum) adopted as standard by the entity: State the level of certification adopted as standard by the entity that is above the minimum level of certification. Reporting should reflect standard practices adopted by the entity across its portfolio, ensuring comparability over time.

Validation Basics

Scoring

Scoring: How does GRESB score this indicator?

The scoring of this indicator is equal to the sum of the fractions assigned to the selected options and respective sub-options, multiplied by the total score of the indicator.

Percentage number: The coverage percentage reported is used as a multiplier to determine the assigned score.

Green Building Rating System: The name of the green building rating system and the level of certification (if applicable) is validated, and its validation status is determined based on the requirements of the indicators. Various validation statuses lead to different scores according to the table below:

Validation status	Score
Accepted	1/1
Not Accepted	0
Duplicate	0

Scoring Basics

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Get Support: Solution Providers

GRESB Solution Providers are independent, third-party organizations within the GRESB Partner network that offer specialized products, tools, and services to support sustainability performance outside the GRESB Assessment process.

Currently, there are no GRESB Solution Providers associated with this indicator.

GRESB will continue to update this section as the GRESB Solution Provider network grows. Please check back regularly to find GRESB Solution Providers who can support your sustainability performance.