GRESB monthly newsletter | New GRESB scoring insights series; White Peak case study; upcoming GRESB & industry events

In this new five-part series, GRESB Chief Innovation Officer Chris Pyke explores what GRESB Scores represent and their implications for sustainability and investment performance.

Each of the five articles in the series delves into a key aspect of GRESB’s scoring approach, starting with the purpose of GRESB Scores and extending to their broader value, financial relevance, comparability, and role in driving performance improvements. This series is designed to help stakeholders understand the methodology, evolution, and impact of GRESB Scores, equipping them with the knowledge to leverage these insights in driving meaningful sustainability performance.

Read the series here.

GRESB QuickStart is now available. Designed to help first-time participants quickly get acquainted with the GRESB Assessment process, QuickStart is a tailored assessment service that offers a comprehensive introduction to GRESB’s resources and procedures, ensuring participants are well-equipped for a smooth and efficient reporting period.

As part of the program, participants will receive one-on-one demonstrations of key tools including the Real Estate Assessment Spreadsheet or the Infrastructure Materiality & Scoring Tool, depending on the selected assessment. Additionally, they’ll gain access to best practices, tailored tips to enhance their reporting, and dedicated support through one-on-one conversations with GRESB experts. Participants will be able to ask their most pressing questions and receive insights specific to their needs.

QuickStart is an excellent opportunity for new participants to confidently engage with GRESB and optimize their reporting process.

For more information, visit this page or get in touch with the GRESB Member Success team.

2025 Standards work plans

The Real Estate and Infrastructure Standards Committees recently hosted their first meeting of the year. They have already begun executing their work plans to update the 2026 Standards, which will soon be presented to the Foundation Board. As highlighted in the GRESB Foundation 2025 Roadmap, the real estate topics include decarbonization, energy efficiency, embodied carbon, sector specificity, building certifications, biodiversity and natural capital, and physical climate risk. The infrastructure topics include net zero/GHG transition planning, GHG Scope 3, assets in development, data coverage, biodiversity and natural capital, as well as improving the output of the assessments and reducing reporting burden.

Foundation Board update

The Foundation Board is pleased to welcome its newest member: Dianna Russo, Executive Director at JP to the board. Dianna brings a wealth of knowledge to the board, with more than a two decades of experience in sustainability leadership. We are grateful for Dianna’s support of the GRESB Standards and, on behalf of the GRESB Foundation Board Chair, Katie Jowett, the Foundation Board and the entire Foundation, we are excited to welcome her to the Foundation!

The board’s selection decision was very difficult as we received numerous applications from highly qualified applicants. The Foundation will continue to accept Foundation Board applications (particularly from investor members) on a rolling basis and the board will review applications again in the coming months. We truly appreciate the enthusiasm to support the growth of the GRESB Standards and we will work to engage with all of you as GRESB continues to evolve.

Standards Committee update  

The Foundation Board recently voted to add three new members to the Standards Committees: Matthew Han (Macquarie Asset Management) and Madelaine Broad (TCorp) joined the Infrastructure Standards Committee (ISC), and Clément Jeannin (Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield) joined the Real Estate Standards Committee (RESC). Both the RESC and ISC represent a diversity of organizations, sectors, and geographies and new members are joining just in time to offer their perspective on the updates proposed to the 2025 Real Estate Standards. We are grateful for their commitment to advance the GRESB Standards and on behalf of the GRESB Foundation Board Chair, Katie Jowett, the RESC and ISC Chairs and the entire Foundation Board, we are excited to welcome them to the Foundation!

The selection process was highly competitive due to the number of exceptional applicants. The Foundation will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis and will review applications in the fall to fill any vacancies.

GRESB case studies

GRESB’s latest case study explores White Peak’s innovative approach to sustainable urban development in China. As a Swedish fund manager and real estate developer, White Peak integrates low-carbon technologies and sustainability principles to deliver quality housing while prioritizing biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

Read the full case study to explore White Peak’s pioneering efforts in sustainable urban development and their commitment to biodiversity in China.

See more GRESB manager and investor case studies.