RA4: Water Efficiency Measures

Participants must report this metric at the asset level.

GRESB automatically populates this indicator in the assessment response once participants have aggregated asset-level data from the Asset Portal.

When using the Asset Spreadsheet to upload asset-level data, GRESB recommends reviewing the instructions below in conjunction with the corresponding spreadsheet tab. The Cell Code column in the Input section indicates where to report each metric in the spreadsheet.

Asset Portal Guide Click here to download a read-only version of the Asset Spreadsheet.

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Water efficiency measures implemented in the last three years

Water
Automatic meter readings (AMR) TRUE/ FALSE Cooling tower TRUE/ FALSE Drip/smart irrigation TRUE/ FALSE Drought intolerant/ native landscaping TRUE/ FALSE High efficiency/ dry fixtures TRUE/ FALSE Leak detection system TRUE/ FALSE Metering of water subsystems TRUE/ FALSE On-site waste water treatment TRUE/ FALSE Reuse of storm water and/or grey water TRUE/ FALSE

Assessment Instructions

Intent: What is the purpose of this indicator?

This indicator assesses the actions the entity has taken to reduce water consumption across its portfolio. It captures the initiatives implemented over the past three years to improve water efficiency and strengthen the long-term performance and resilience of its assets.

Input: How do I complete this indicator?

Data	Cell Code	Instructions
Water Efficiency measures implemented in the last 3 years	P7-X7	Select TRUE from the dropdown menus if the entity implemented measures during the last 3 years to improve the efficiency of the asset. Leaving dropdown menus blank is equivalent to FALSE.

Terminology

Automatic meter readings

Meter readings taken automatically at predefined frequencies by building management systems or smart metering systems.

Cooling tower

A cooling tower is a heat rejection device which extracts waste heat to the atmosphere through the cooling of a water stream to a lower temperature. Reduction of potable water consumption for cooling towers (or evaporative condenser equipment) can be achieved through effective water management, including conducting a water analysis to measure the concentration of at least five control parameters in order to optimize the cooling tower cycles and/or use of non-potable makeup water for a minimum of 20% of the makeup water.

Drip / smart irrigation

Drip irrigation systems save water by irrigating, fertilizing and aerating trees, shrubs, plants and bushes directly at the roots. Smart irrigation systems save water by adjusting the watering schedule and amount of water used for irrigation based on a variety of factors and inputs, including weather, plant species and soil type.

Drought-tolerant / native landscaping

Adapted or indigenous vegetation that has evolved to the geography, hydrology and climate of a region requiring minimal or no supplemental watering beyond natural rainfall.

High efficiency / dry fixtures

Appliances and plumbing equipment that conserve water without compromising performance (also known as “ultra-low-flow” fixtures) / Fixtures that do not require the use of water, such as composting toilet systems and waterless urinals.

Leak detection system

Systems that detect water leaks. Examples can include, but are not limited to: condensate water overflow, chiller water leaks, plumbing line cracks, heating/cooling piping leaks and outside seepage.

Metering of water subsystems

Installing sub-meters to measure the water consumption of applicable subsystems, such as irrigation, indoor plumbing fixtures, domestic hot water, reclaimed water or other process water uses, which supports effective water management and identifying opportunities for additional water savings.

On-site wastewater treatment

Process of water decontamination as a consequence of any anthropogenic, industrial or commercial use, before the water is released again into the environment or is re-used.

Storm water

Water that collects during precipitation, which can be stored on-site for eventual reuse for non-potable applications. Examples can include, but are not limited to: landscape irrigation and/or flush fixtures.

Grey water

Wastewater generated from hand basins, showers and other water-using devices and equipment.

Measure

The actual project or activity undertaken/implemented to improve energy efficiency as part of the selected category.

Validation: What evidence is required?

This indicator is subject to automatic validation. No evidence is required. Refer to the page below for guidance on how to resolve automatic validation errors and warnings. Validation Basics

Scoring

Scoring: How does GRESB score this indicator?

Participants receive 0.0625 points for each reported efficiency measure.

Scoring Basics

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I report efficiency measures that were implemented more than three years ago?

Although water efficiency initiatives implemented more than three years ago remain relevant, their impact is already accounted for in the consumption data reported under the Energy, GHG, Water, and Waste Aspects.

Can I report efficiency measures implemented during the construction stage?

Yes. For standing investments (operational assets), as long as the measures were implemented within the past three years (i.e., the reporting year and the two years prior), participants can report them, even if they were implemented during the construction phase.

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References

ISO 50001:2011 Energy Management Systems

LEED BD+C: Core and Shell, v4, Optimize Energy Performance LEED O+M: Existing Buildings, v4, Alternative Transportation

EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: 7.9, Narrative on performance

SASB-Real Estate Owners, Developers & Investment Trusts (March 2016): IF0402-05

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures June 2017: Strategy A&B

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.