— 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.
Management
Policy & Disclosure
Risks & Opportunities
Monitoring & EMS
Stakeholder Engagement
Performance Indicators
Certifications & Awards
The Asset Assessment is organized around 7 core aspects, as set out above. These aspects are broken down into indicators addressing asset-level plans and policies, implementation actions and operational performance.
The Assessment provides the information needed to assess efforts to maximize beneficial outputs, such as energy production, mobility, or access to clean water, while minimizing social and environmental impacts.
The data are subjected to a multi-layer validation process and the result is high-quality data that investors and participants can use in their investment and decision-making processes.
Based on the Assessment, GRESB provides an overall GRESB Score for each participant as well as peer group comparisons that take into account country, regional, sectoral and investment type variations.
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
Benefits of Participating
| Improved ability to manage your infrastructure assets in the face of sustainability risks. | Insight into how to best capitalize on sustainability-related opportunities such as lowering operating costs and meeting regulatory requirements. | ||
| Clearer picture of your ESG performance and how it compares against your peers. | Better understanding of the actions you can take to improve your ESG performance in the most efficient way. | ||
| Greater knowledge of investor needs and perspectives to enrich your investor engagement. | Improved opportunity to attract new investors, including long term investors and investors seeking more comprehensive risk and opportunity analysis. | ||
| Reduced time and effort needed to respond to ad-hoc requests relating to sustainability issues. | Ability to report validated ESG performance information to the market using a global industry standard. | ||
| More consistent messaging about your sustainability performance to your stakeholders. | Recognition that you have taken a significant step towards leadership on ESG issues. |
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
Assessment Process
The Assessment follows a regular annual timeline, with the Portal opening on April 1 each year. Participants complete the Assessment by reporting through the Portal. Prior to finalizing their submission, participants are given the opportunity to request a Response Check to minimize the risk of errors.
The submission deadline is July 1, which provides participants with a three-month window to complete the Assessment. Once all Assessments have been submitted and the Portal has closed, GRESB begins the process of validating, scoring and benchmarking the submitted data:
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 GBCI.
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
All participants receive a Scorecard with a summary of their sustainability performance. GRESB Members have access to the Benchmark Report and Portfolio Analysis Tool that provide a more in-depth analysis of performance.
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”.
Fees, Benefits & Participation Levels
You can either choose to submit the 2019 Infrastructure Asset Assessment as a non-member or submit the Assessment as a GRESB Member. GRESB Members have access to the Benchmark Report, additional analytical tools, a free Response Check, as well as preferential marketing, industry recognition, and networking opportunities. Membership benefits apply to all reporting entities.
| BENEFITS | NON MEMBER | GRESB MEMBER | BENEFITS EXPLAINED |
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| Scorecard | The Scorecard provides a summary breakdown of your ESG performance. |
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| Benchmark Report | EUR 3,500 (USD 4,100) | The Benchmark Report provides an in-depth analysis of your sustainability performance and a detailed indicator-level comparison with peers. |
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| Third-party Validation | A three-layer, end-to-end validation process underpins the accuracy and reliability of your results. |
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| GRESB Helpdesk | Dedicated to answer your questions and help you complete your Assessment smoothly and efficiently. |
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| Guidance Materials | The "Guidance" tab in the Portal and the Assessment Reference Guides outline the information to provide for each indicator. |
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| Template Tools | The Template Tool enables you to copy information across multiple submissions. |
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| Streamlined Reporting Tools | Pre-filling functionality, real-time error detection, access rights control, a document upload library and API connections help you with an efficient and accurate submission. |
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| Portfolio Analysis Tool | Members can examine the performance of their aggregate portfolio against self-selected benchmarks using the Portfolio Analysis Tool |
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| GRESB Advisory Bodies | Members are eligible to participate in GRESB Advisory Bodies. |
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| Member Directory | Members are profiled on the Member Directory. |
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| GRESB Events | Members have preferential attendance and speaking opportunities. |
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| GRESB Insights | Members have the opportunity to contribute articles and case studies to GRESB Insights. |
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| Assessment Training | EUR 550 (USD 650) | Members receive one free seat for Assessment Training. Additional seats discounted to EUR 450 (USD 550) |
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| Customized Benchmark Report | EUR 1,750 (USD 2,050)* | Customized Benchmark Report discounted to EUR 1,250 (USD 1,500) for Members |
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| Response Check | EUR 1,750 (USD 2,050) | Members receive a free Response Check for one entity. Additional discounted to EUR 1,250 (USD 1,500) |
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| Results Review | EUR 1,750 (USD 2,050) | Results Review discounted to EUR 1,250 (USD 1,500) for Members |
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| Participation Fee: Free | Annual Fee: Starting at EUR 4,000 (USD 4,700) See Member fee schedule |
* Only available in combination with the Benchmark Report
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a GRESB Member to submit an assessment?
No, you do not have to be a GRESB Member to submit an Infrastructure Assessment. But GRESB Members have access to advanced analytical tools and services as well as increased opportunity for recognition and networking. This table highlights the additional benefits available to GRESB Members.
What type of organizations should complete the GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment?
There are multiple ways to participate in the GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment. Both single and multi-asset operators can participate. Possibilities for participation are explained in the following sections below. Note that these are only illustrative and other scenarios are possible. Participants with questions about specific circumstances are encouraged to contact info@gresb.com for guidance.
Single-asset operators
Single-asset operators may have one or multiple infrastructure-related business activities. These entities may be large and complex, or small and narrowly focused. The approximate fraction of each business activity should be expressed in the Entity & Reporting Characteristics section of the Asset Assessment. Single-asset operators that are subject to the same management and can aggregate performance data may report as one entity in the Asset Assessment.
Note that entities that have 75% or more allocation to a business activity will be allocated to this business activity’s applicable peer group. Examples of single-asset operators include:
- A provider of water and wastewater services
- An airport
- A telecommunications company
Multi-asset operators
In some cases one entity may operate multiple assets or projects, GRESB considers this to be a multi-asset operator. A multi-asset operator has the option to report on its operations as a group using a single Asset Assessment. Alternatively, the operator may complete an Asset Assessment on behalf of each asset or project. Examples of multi-asset operators include:
- An entity that operates several toll roads that lack local ESG management
- An entity that owns a portfolio of small wind farms
- An entity that operates a collection of distributed solar projects
Multi-asset operators that participate as one entity should have centralized management and can aggregate performance data. Note that when assets are combined into the same Asset Assessment, the entity should have an allocation of 75% or more allocation to a business activity to be assigned to this business activity’s applicable peer group.
What is the Grace Period?
First year participants can submit the Asset 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”.
First year participants wishing to report under the Grace Period can select the option on an entity-by-entity basis from the settings section in the Assessment Portal. Participants who select the “Grace Period” option can decide to unselect the option following receipt of their results. The Grace Period is not available in the second year of participation, regardless of whether it was used in the first year or not.
The “Grace Period” allows participants a year to familiarize themselves with the GRESB reporting and assessment process. The names of participating entities are still visible during the Grace Period, but GRESB Investor Members and Fund Manager Members will not be able to request to see their results.
Grace Period participants receive a GRESB Scorecard and have the opportunity to purchase a Benchmark Report for a more in-depth analysis of their sustainability performance.
GRESB Members have access to Benchmark Reports for all of their reporting entities, whether or not they report an entity under “Grace Period”.
Can I participate in the Assessment with multiple assets and funds?
Yes, it is possible, and a separate Assessment should be submitted for each asset or fund. First, register as an individual via the GRESB Portal. Once you have registered, you will be able to add individual assets and funds to the GRESB Portal and complete a GRESB Assessment on behalf of each of those entities.
When is the Portal open for the 2019 Assessment?
The Assessment Portal is open from April 1 to July 1, 2019. See the 2019 Assessment timeline.
Other questions?
If you have any further questions please see our support page or contact us directly.