WS1: Disposal Routes
Assessment Instructions
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.

Input: How do I complete this metric?
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.
Data
Cell Code
Instructions
Proportion of waste by disposal route
J4-O4
Determine the proportion of total waste (hazardous and non-hazardous) by disposal route, i.e. the method by which waste is treated or disposed as a percentage of the total waste by weight during both reporting years. All options are mutually exclusive and should sum up to 100%. See definitions of the disposal routes below:
Incineration: Waste treatment process that involves the combustion of organic substances contained in waste materials.
Reuse: Use of a product or item in its original form more than once.
Waste to energy: Process of generating energy in the form of electricity and/or heat.
Recycling: Process of changing waste materials into new products or objects. This disposal method prevents the waste of potentially useful material, alleviates the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduces energy usage, air pollution (from incineration), and water pollution (from landfilling) by reducing the need for ‘conventional’ waste disposal. Recycling also produces lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to plastic production.
Note: participants should include composted waste within the "Recycling" section.
Other: Any other waste disposal route not captured by the definitions above. Note that 'Other' disposal routes will not be considered diverted waste (i.e., waste reported as 'Other' will not contribute to the asset's proportion of waste diverted score).
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
Disposal routes influence the proportion of waste diverted (2 points total) score calculation.
Proportion of Waste Diverted
Step 1: Score Asset-Level Diversion Rate
GRESB calculates the asset's proportion of waste diverted as the amount of total waste that was recycled, reused, or converted to energy. Waste sent to landfill, incineration, or categorized as other/unknown is not included in the calculation and will not contribute to the waste diversion score.
GRESB compares asset-level waste diversion % against a relevant benchmark distribution based on the same property sub-type and country. Unlike data coverage, GRESB does not score waste diversion separately for landlord and tenant-controlled areas.
Assets with zero waste data coverage will not achieve points for waste diversion.
Step 2: Aggregate to the Property Subtype | Country Level
GRESB aggregates the asset-level scores to each property sub-type and country combination, using a weighted mean calculated by multiplying floor area by the percentage of ownership and the length of ownership period in the reporting year.
Step 3: Aggregate to the Portfolio Level
GRESB aggregates the scores for each property sub-type and country into a single portfolio score, weighted by the gross asset value (GAV) for each property sub-type and country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should compost be reported as ‘waste to energy’, ‘reuse’, or ‘recycling’?
Compost is classified as 'recycling' in the GRESB Real Estate Assessment. Note that classifying compost as 'Other' will prevent it from contributing to the asset's waste diversion score.
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.
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