DEN1: Energy Efficiency Requirements
Maximum Score
6 points
Input Method
Assessment Portal
Prefill
Eligible
Scoring method
Static
Validation
Other answer is manually validated
2026 Updates
None
Does the entity have minimum energy efficiency requirements for development projects?
Assessment Instructions
Intent: What is the purpose of this indicator?
This indicator evaluates the entity’s strategy for integrating energy-efficiency measures throughout the design and construction process. Embedding efficiency considerations early in development helps reduce the energy consumption of the building during its operational phase.
Input: How do I complete this indicator?
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Post-construction monitoring: If the entity has requirements on post-construction performance monitoring, specify the required number of years. If the entity monitors performance in perpetuity, for an infinite period, enter “100”.
Terminology
Air conditioning
Refers to energy efficient air-conditioning units, such as those rated with a high energy efficiency rating, and secondary measures to promote efficiency, such as strategic location and integration into building functionality design.
Building energy management system
Computer‐based automated systems that monitor and control all energy‐related systems, including all mechanical and electrical equipment in buildings.
Commissioning
Quality-orientated review and verification process during the design and construction phase, to ensure that the performance of facilities, systems and assemblies meet defined objectives during the operational phase.
Energy codes or standards
Energy requirements set in building codes and standards such as US Energy Efficiency standards and International Energy Conservation Code (2012).
Energy modeling
Refers to a virtual or computerized simulation of a building that can be used to estimate the energy use of a building and evaluate its energy efficiency.
Energy use analytics
Analysis of energy use to determine discrepancies between baseline and actual energy use. Energy use analytics help determine whether energy use targets are reached, and can highlight opportunities to improve energy efficiency.
High-efficiency equipment and appliances
Specification and purchase of electrical equipment and appliances that minimize the building’s energy needs.
Integrative design
A design process that considers and involves multiple aspects, stakeholders and functions, instead of addressing each separately, to align and achieve objectives. Examples of integrative considerations during different stages of the design process can be found below:
Pre-design: Performing a preliminary analysis before the completion of schematic design that explores the relationships between the project and its surrounding environment to help reveal the optimum choices for the site, the users, and the owner.
Design and construction: Allowing experts from all disciplines to analyze the unique opportunities and constraints of the building site and to collectively explore synergies between disciplines and with neighboring sites.
Occupancy, operations, and performance: Measuring performance and setting up feedback mechanisms that involve various stakeholder groups.
Lighting
Energy efficient lighting refers to units such as those rated with a high-energy efficiency rating. Common energy efficient lighting includes: LEDs, CFLs and halogen incandescents. It also includes aspects such as sensors, timers, and the promotion of natural daylight, to reduce the amount of light energy consumed.
Maximum energy-use intensity post-occupancy
Requirement for buildings to achieve a predetermined energy use intensity once the building is fully operational.
Occupant controls
Individual controls for heating, cooling and other building systems. They support individual comfort of building occupants, while reducing energy consumption. Occupant controls also enable occupants to respond rapidly to alleviate discomfort when it is experienced.
Operational energy efficiency monitoring
Monitoring of energy consumed during the operational phase of a building. The operational energy consumption of buildings leads to substantial environmental impact. Monitoring consumption is an important basis for reducing this impact.
Passive design
Passive design uses layout, fabric and form to reduce or remove mechanical cooling, heating, ventilation and lighting demand.
Post-construction energy monitoring
Monitoring of energy consumption during the operational phase of the building, to identify that energy use objectives are being met.
Requirements for planning and design
Policy requirements such as planning obligations, building codes and standards.
Space heating
Energy efficient space heating systems for internal spaces within a building. This includes energy efficient mechanical systems, and maximizing the maintenance of internal heating via insulation, seals and windows and doors
Sub-meter
A system that allows the measurement of utility use by an individual occupant within a multi-tenant property, such as individual electricity meters.
Ventilation
The process of supplying and removing air through an indoor space. Energy efficient ventilation refers to the use of efficient mechanical or natural ventilation systems.
Water heating
Energy efficient water heating systems such as those with a high-energy efficiency rating, including those which are demand-based, that do not lose energy on stand-by heating. Also includes efficient hot water distribution systems to reduce energy losses throughout the building.
Validation: What evidence is required?
No evidence required. Only the 'Other' answer is manually validated.
Other Answer
Other: State the entity’s requirement for planning and design.
Other: State the energy efficiency measure.
Other: Describe the entity’s actions to verify delivered performance.
It is possible to add multiple other answers.
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.
If any requirements are not met, the evidence may be partially accepted or not accepted, depending on the level of alignment with the requirements.
Other: The 'Other' answer is manually validated and assigned a score, which is used as a multiplying factor, as per the table below:
Accepted
1/1
Not Accepted
0
Duplicate
0
References
BREEAM, International New Construction, 2016: 6 Health and wellbeing, 10 Materials
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4: Sustainable Sites and Materials & Resources
BREEAM International New Construction, 2013: 04 Management and 11 Land Use; and BREEAM Communities Manual, 2012
LEED BD+C: New Construction, v4, Integrative Process
BC Green Building Roundtable, Roadmap for the Integrated Design Process
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.
The organizations below deliver commercially available solutions designed to help drive improvement for this indicator. Engagement is managed directly between the reporting entity and the Solution Provider.
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.
Last updated
Was this helpful?