DEN2.2: Net Zero Carbon Design and Standards

Maximum Score

2 points

Input Method

Assessment Portal

Prefill

Eligible

Scoring method

Static

Validation

Other answer is manually validated

2026 Updates

None

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Does the entity’s portfolio include any buildings designed to meet net zero carbon?

Assessment Instructions

Intent: What is the purpose of this indicator?

This indicator examines the entity’s approach to achieving net-zero carbon performance in its development projects. Net-zero carbon standards help guide projects toward low-emissions outcomes through efficient design and the use of renewable energy. Understanding the share of development projects designed to meet these standards provides stakeholders with insight into how the entity is preparing for evolving regulatory expectations and potential impacts on asset viability.

Input: How do I complete this indicator?

Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.

Percentage of projects covered: The percentage of projects that are under development or have been completed during the reporting year that were designed to meet net zero carbon.

• The numerator is the floor area of the projects for which the applicable requirements are in place. The denominator is the total floor area of all projects reported in DR1.

Terminology

Net zero carbon building

Highly energy efficient building that is fully powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources and offsets.

Net zero carbon – construction

When the amount of carbon emissions associated with a building’s product and construction stages up to practical completion is zero or negative, through the use of offsets or the net export of on-site renewable energy.

Net zero carbon code/standard

A code and/or standard that defines a net zero carbon building.

Net zero carbon – operational energy

When the amount of carbon emissions associated with the building’s operational energy on an annual basis is zero or negative. A net zero carbon building is highly energy efficient and powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources, with any remaining carbon balance offset.

Validation: What evidence is required?

No evidence required. Only the Standard and Other answers are manually validated.

Net Zero Code/Standard

Specify the full name of the referenced national and/or international standard on net zero carbon:

• Net-zero energy and net-zero carbon standards are acceptable. Examples of acceptable standards include, but are not limited to:

  • National/local green guilding council standard: BREAM, LEED Net Zero, World Green Building Council's Advancing Net Zero Program

  • National/local government standard: BCA Green Mark for Super Low Energy, National Carbon Offset Scheme (NCOS) Net Zero Building Standard

  • International standard: EDGE Net Zero, International Living Future Institute (ILFI) Zero Carbon

• Nearly Net-zero standards are deemed not acceptable.

Other Answer

• Other: State the other definition of net zero carbon used. Include just one other answer.

• Other: State the other net-zero carbon code/standard used. Include just one other answer.

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.

Other: The 'Other' answer is manually validated and assigned a score which is used as a multiplying factor, as per the table below:

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

Scoring Basics

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References

World Green Building Council, The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment

UK Green Building Council, Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition

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.