— THE GRESB INFRASTRUCTURE ASSET ASSESSMENT —
The Investor-driven Global ESG Benchmark for the Infrastructure Sector
The Infrastructure Asset Assessment assesses ESG performance at the asset level for infrastructure asset operators, fund managers and investors that invest directly in infrastructure.
The Assessment offers high-quality ESG data and advanced analytical tools to benchmark ESG performance, identify areas for improvement and engage with investors.
What is the GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment?
The GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment provides the basis for systematic reporting, objective scoring and peer benchmarking of ESG management and performance of infrastructure assets around the world. Both single and multi-asset operators can participate and the process leads to deep data insights for investors, fund managers and asset operators.
The data is self-reported by Assessment participants between April 1 and July 1 each year and subjected to a multi-layer validation process after which it is scored and benchmarked. The result is high-quality data that investors and participants can use in their investment and decision-making processes.
Infrastructure Asset Assessment Components
The Assessment is structured into separate Management and Performance Components. Each Component determines an individual score, but only entities that submit both Components will receive a GRESB Score and GRESB Rating.
Management Component
The Management Component measures the entity’s strategy and leadership management, policies and processes, risk management and stakeholder engagement approach, comprising of information collected at the organizational level.
The Component is suitable for any type of infrastructure company, asset and investment strategy. It is validated, scored and peer-benchmarked using the globally recognized GRESB methodology, and can be completed individually or in combination with the Performance Component.
It is structured into 5 aspects:
- Leadership
- Policies
- Reporting
- Risk Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
Performance Component
The Performance Component measures the entity’s performance, comprising of information collected at the asset level. It is suitable for any infrastructure company with operational assets.
It is structured into 12 aspects:
- Implementation
- Output & Impact
- Health & Safety
- Energy
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Air Pollution
- Water
- Waste
- Biodiversity & Habitat
- Employees
- Customers
- Certifications & Awards
Assessment Resources
ESG due diligence tool for Infrastructure Assets
GRESB and B Capital Partners AG have released a stand-alone, open source ESG due diligence tool (ESG DD Tool) for infrastructure assets.
The ESG DD Tool is not tied to the GRESB Assessment cycle and can be used at any time to gain a clear understanding of the ESG risks and opportunities of an asset.
What sectors does GRESB Infrastructure cover?
The GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment is designed to assess ESG performance across a wide range of sectors. It applies sector-based materiality weightings to tailor the assessment to different infrastructure sectors, including:
Data Infrastructure
Energy & Water Resources
Environmental Services
Network Utilities
Power Generation (excl. Renewables)
Renewable Power
Social Infrastructure
Transport
GRESB Infrastructure Investor Members
The Assessment provides a communication platform to improve engagement with investors and enables participants to report validated ESG performance information in a format and language that serves their needs.
View all GRESB Investor Members
Benefits of Participating
Assessment Process
SYSTEMATIC ASSESSMENT
1. Validation
GRESB has established a robust data validation process to underpin the accuracy and reliability of its output. It is based on a three-layer data quality control process designed to ensure submission of high quality information. The approach to validation was developed by PwC and involves third party verification by SRI.
2. Objective Scoring
The GRESB Scoring Model is based on an automated system, which uses a technology platform designed for GRESB by a third party that specializes in data analysis software development. The scoring is completed without manual intervention after data input.
3. Peer Benchmarking
Peer comparisons that take into account country, regional, sectoral and investment type variations provide a powerful lens through which to benchmark performance. Each participant is assigned to a peer group, based on the entity’s legal structure (listed/private), sector and geographical location of assets.
Assessment Results
See key dates for the 2021 GRESB Assessments Timeline
Participants receive the GRESB Benchmark Report and Portfolio Analysis Tool. These provide an in-depth analysis of sustainability performance, enable detailed peer group comparisons and highlight industry best practices.
First year participants can submit the Assessment without providing GRESB Investor Members and Fund Manager Members with the ability to request access to their results. This is referred to as a “Grace Period”.