Key financial benefits of GRESB participation 

Source: Sustainability-linked loans 

GRESB participation, peer group rankings, and overall ratings or scores can be leveraged to construct sustainability-linked loans and negotiate favorable terms. Borrowers meeting sustainability targets tied to GRESB participation often enjoy reduced borrowing costs, improving their bottom line while advancing long-term sustainability goals. 

Source: GRESB Investor Member Survey Findings 

GRESB participation signals a commitment to creating funds that are resilient, efficient, and sustainable over the long term, making companies more attractive to global investors that consider material non-financial topics. Of Investor Members, 75% engage with their managers to request participation in GRESB, with 44% of investors mandating participation in their agreements. 

Source: The link between GRESB participation and financial returns 

According to academic studies, funds that report to GRESB experience increased returns. For example, a study in “The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics” found a mean increase of 1.94% in quarterly fund performance for those engaging in sustainability reporting (Devine, Sanderford, and Wang 2024, 161). GRESB participation and performance are also strong predictors of fund returns, particularly in price appreciation. 

Source: GRESB Public Results 2024  

GRESB participation provides a blueprint to engage in environmental initiatives, such as energy efficiency, resource management, and sustainable building certifications, that can result in reduced operating expenses. These sustainability improvements not only decrease costs but also enhance property values over time, leading to higher long-term financial returns. 

Source: Manager case study: Swire Properties  

Adopting GRESB standards supports social initiatives, including tenant satisfaction and community engagement. These factors directly contribute to higher tenant retention rates and attract quality tenants, providing stable income streams and reducing vacancy periods. 

Source: Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures 

Implementing GRESB’s governance practices boosts efficiency, attracts investors, and facilitates better financing terms. Addressing climate risks through stronger infrastructure and low-carbon strategies reduces regulatory exposure and financial losses, while enhancing resilience. These efforts improve market positioning and create opportunities for growth in sustainable sectors, driving long-term profitability. 

Source: Impact of ESG on European non-listed fund performance 

By doing GRESB and learning from industry leaders, you are set on a path that is defined by outperformance against non-GRESB participants. According to research commissioned by INREV and GRESB, funds participating in GRESB outperformed non-participants by 1.8% annually, even when controlled for size and leverage differences (INREV & GRESB, 2023).