RM1: Environmental Management System (EMS)
Maximum Score
1.25 points
Input Method
Assessment Portal
Prefill
Eligible
Scoring method
Static
Validation
Evidence and other answer are manually validated
2026 Updates
None
Does the entity have an Environmental Management System (EMS)?
Assessment Instructions
Intent: What is the purpose of this indicator?
This indicator assesses the entity’s use of a systematic process to manage environmental impacts, risks and opportunities.
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is an internal framework that structures all procedures, projects and tactics into a cohesive program which aligns the sustainability efforts at entity level. An EMS can assist entities in managing and improving their environmental performance, complying with environmental laws and regulations, identifying financial savings through more efficient operating practices, and improving the standing of the business with staff, client companies, partner organizations and other stakeholders.
Use of an aligned or certified EMS framework provides assurance to both the business and external stakeholders that environmental impacts are measured and acted upon using a recognized and proven methodology. Periodic reviews of the EMS ensure its continuing suitability and effectiveness for the entity.
Input: How do I complete this indicator?
Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.
Terminology
Alignment
To agree and match with a recognized sustainability standard (either voluntary or mandatory).
Certified
Third-party recognition of meeting the requirements of a recognized standard.
Environmental Management System (EMS)
A framework for managing an entity’s environmental impact based on its sustainability and related objectives. An EMS provides a practical framework for the assessment of environmental impacts, establishment of impact reduction targets, and the development of plans to achieve targeted reductions. An EMS enables an entity to take a structured approach to planning and implementing environmental protection measures.
An effective EMS is analogous to a financial management system that monitors expenditure and income to support analysis of financial performance. An EMS can cover a wide range of environmental topics, including, but not limited to: energy, GHG emissions, water, waste, transportation, climate change, resilience, risks, and materials. It can also refer to a wide variety of internal procedures, targets, persons responsible for implementing these procedures and working towards achieving the entity’s objectives. In summary, an EMS is used to formalize the strategic approach of the entity towards sustainability. It outlines the structure used to monitor and manage environmental topics.
ISO 14001 Alignment
ISO 14001 defines a complete EMS to include four stages:
Plan
Define the scope of the entity’s environmental policy (the most important areas of impact and relationship with primary stakeholders)
Define and maintain environmental objectives and targets (short-term and long-term)
Define the materiality matrix, based on priority sustainability issues
Identify relevant legal requirements and environmental legislation
Define emergency procedures
Do
Ensure the implementation of the action plan established in stage one and the maintenance of the systems in place
Assign responsibility for the overall development and maintenance of the system
Offer training and/or support to the people in charge to ensure conformity with the policy
Check
Establish appropriate communication channels with the people in charge
Monitor and document progress
Ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements
Identify and correct non-conformity
Act
Schedule periodic management reviews on results and next steps
Evaluate performance against targets
Determine corrective and preventative actions
Provide feedback and suggestions for improvement
Prepare and/or update procedures and supporting documentation
The process above provides an example of an EMS outline with the stages and elements included. The EMS, and therefore the supporting evidence, does not necessarily have to be structured according to the ISO recommendations. While adherence to ISO 14001 is not required, the reported EMS should support the purpose identified in ISO 14001 and provide comparable functionality.
Validation: What evidence is required?
Evidence
The evidence provided will be subject to manual validation.
Note that only aligning or certifying individual sections of the EMS does not comply with the requirements of this indicator and does not constitute a valid answer. A fully aligned or certified EMS that is implemented at a subset of assets within the portfolio complies with the requirements of this indicator.
To qualify as valid, the evidence provided must include:
A clear framework for managing an entity’s environmental impact.
A high-level outline or diagram of the implemented EMS.
The stages, elements, and/or processes currently covered by the EMS.
Aligned with a standard: If the EMS is aligned with a standard, the evidence must include the name of the standard used and define the degree of alignment. Elements of the EMS that align with the standard can be summarized, called out, highlighted, or shown in a diagram.
Externally certified: If the entity’s EMS is externally certified by an independent third party to a recognized standard, the evidence must include signed proof of the certification. This proof must explicitly confirm:
Its validity within the reporting year. Certifications must have been valid at some point during the reporting year.
The name of the standard
The contact information of the independent third party
The date of the most recent accreditation (certification) and explicitly state the expiration date of the certification.
GRESB requires certifications to be undertaken by a third party and not by the participant. Third-party statements, audit reports, or letters of conformity are not sufficient proof of evidence.
Not certified or aligned: If the entity’s management system is not accredited to or aligned with a selected standard, the evidence must include a high-level summary, outline or diagram of the implemented management system and/or evidence of implementation into the entity’s operations.
Other Answer
The Other answer(s) provided will be subject to manual validation.
Provide the name of the 'Other' recognized standard that the entity’s EMS has been certified to or aligned with that is not already listed. Standards that are not recognized will be subject to validation. It is possible to report multiple ‘other’ answers. If multiple ‘other’ answers are acceptable, only one will be counted towards scoring.
Scoring
Scoring: How does GRESB score this indicator?
Scoring of this indicator is equal to the fraction assigned to the selected option, multiplied by the total score of the indicator.
Evidence: The evidence is manually validated and assigned a multiplier, according to the table below. The evidence must support the validation requirements.
If any requirements are not met, the evidence may be partially accepted or not accepted depending on the level of alignment with the requirements.
Accepted
2/2
Partially Accepted
1/2
Not Accepted
0
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my EMS certification (e.g., ISO 14001) need to be from an accredited body for GRESB?
Not currently. However, GRESB requires a full, formal certification audit resulting in a certificate, not just a statement of alignment.
If my entity is in the process of obtaining the EMS certification before the end of the reporting year, can the EMS be reported as ‘externally certified’?
If the EMS certification application was still under review at the time of an entity’s GRESB Assessment submission, the EMS should be reported as 'aligned with a standard' for the GRESB 2026 submission. If the EMS certification application has been accepted by the time an entity submits its GRESB Assessment, it can select 'externally certified by an independent third party' under RM1.
References
LEED BD+C: Core and Shell, v4, Sustainable Sites; Water Efficiency; Energy & Atmosphere; Material & Resources; and Indoor Environmental Quality
BREEAM In-Use International, Asset Performance; and Building Management
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
ISO 14004:2015 Environmental management systems – general guidelines on principles, systems and support techniques
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.
Last updated
Was this helpful?