GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment for data centers
We support data center owners and operators to assess, track, compare, and improve their ESG performance through a globally recognized benchmark—enabling them to increase value and demonstrate leadership in sustainable infrastructure.
GRESB’s Infrastructure Asset Assessments evaluate the sustainability of data centers with metrics that reflect the environmental and operational challenges, for both existing assets and those in various stages of development. The assessments cover critical management and performance topics, which help asset operators, fund managers, and investors better analyze energy efficiency, net-zero progress, resilience, and resource management of data centers. With GRESB, you can better align with sustainable investment goals, reduce environmental impact, and ensure transparency in reporting practices.
93% of investors consider ESG an important part of their data center investment strategy—with more than half saying it was a key priority.
Navigating Data Center Sustainability with GRESB
Data centers are rapidly growing and increasingly scrutinized for their high energy demands, especially as they drive the boom in AI and data processing. GRESB’s new white paper, “Navigating Data Center Sustainability with GRESB: Trends and Recommendations for 2025“, provides essential insights for data center operators on choosing between the GRESB Real Estate or Infrastructure Assessment in 2025. It explores participation trends, energy use insights, and addresses the unique sustainability challenges data centers face. The paper also offers detailed guidance on selecting the most appropriate assessment and outlines GRESB’s ongoing efforts to support data centers in improving their sustainability performance.Â
Three ways data centers benefit from GRESB
Demonstrate leadership in sustainability
Participating in a GRESB Infrastructure Assessment showcases your commitment to social responsibility and environmental performance improvement. Top performing assets can differentiate themselves from peers in the field, while those just starting their sustainability journey can demonstrate their commitment to investors and the communities they operate in.
Enhance investor confidence and attract capital
GRESB is the gold standard for sustainability and ESG data used by real assets investors worldwide. According to the 2024 CBRE Investor Sentiment survey, 93% of investors consider ESG an important part of their data center investment strategy—with more than half saying it was a key priority. By participating in GRESB and aligning your data center to rigorous standards, you are providing investors with the transparency and accountability they increasingly demand. This can be a key step in attracting and retaining capital from global investors as well as obtaining sustainability-linked loans. Â
Drive operational efficiency and reduce risks
The GRESB Infrastructure Assessments help asset operators and fund managers identify both strengths and areas for improvement across the most important non-financial indicators that have a material impact on financial returns. This data-driven approach allows you to optimize resource use, mitigate regulatory and reputational risks, and improve resilience in the face of global challenges like climate change and energy price volatility.
Benchmarking sustainability in data centers
Leading global sustainability benchmark for infrastructure
GRESB is the leading benchmark for infrastructure investments, encompassing 167 funds and 720 assets operating in 80 global markets. For the 2024 benchmark year, GRESB collected operational data from more than 300 data center assets in its real estate benchmark, and 91 data center facilities in its infrastructure assessments. Data center assets in the real estate benchmark are reported as individual facilities, whereas in the infrastructure asset assessments, data center assets are reported as portfolio companies, which may include one or more individual facilities.
The data center segment of the GRESB Infrastructure Benchmark is growing fast, jumping from 75 to 91 assets over the past year. This reflects the sector’s increased commitment to ESG transparency and performance improvements.
Gaining an early upper hand
While most global data centers are not yet participating in GRESB, starting early can provide significant benefit as scores show substantial improvement after the first two years of reporting.
Data centers quickly build momentum by identifying gaps, implementing targeted improvements, and adapting to the GRESB framework. Early action allows participants to enhance their ESG performance and position themselves as industry leaders by the time standardized ESG reporting becomes a universal expectation for data centers. For example, the average score increase by the second year of participation is 18 points.
High data coverage – greater environmental impact
Data coverage is a cornerstone of effective ESG reporting. High levels of data coverage—nearly 100% for Energy and GHG Emissions reporting—allow participants to track performance, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate meaningful progress in reducing their environmental footprint.
Additional metrics, such as Water (94%) and Biodiversity & Habitat (83%), also show strong adoption, highlighting the growing emphasis on holistic sustainability practices. By engaging with GRESB, data centers can align with both investor expectations and regulatory requirements, while using comprehensive data coverage to build a roadmap for long-term sustainability and resilience.
Track your net-zero efforts
In the global race toward net zero, benchmark data provides data centers with critical insights into how their policies and targets compare to those of their peers and the broader sector. This information helps identify industry-leading practices and gaps in one’s own strategies, enabling data centers to better set their own pace to meet expectations from regulators, investors, and customers. Â
Learn how infrastructure leaders are using GRESB to drive value
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