# WS1: Waste Generation ## Assessment Instructions {% hint style="info" %}

Participants must report this metric at the asset level.

GRESB automatically populates this indicator in the assessment response once participants have aggregated asset-level data from the Asset Portal.

When using the Asset Spreadsheet to upload asset-level data, GRESB recommends reviewing the instructions below in conjunction with the corresponding spreadsheet tab. The Cell Code column in the Input section indicates where to report each metric in the spreadsheet.

Asset Portal Guide

Click here to download a read-only version of the Asset Spreadsheet.

{% endhint %} ***

Input: How do I complete this metric?

**Assets can only report waste at the Whole Building level.**


Data	Cell Code	Instructions
Hazardous and non-hazardous waste	G6-H6	Report the absolute hazardous and non-hazardous waste weight generated by the asset for both reporting years. Generation Value: Participants must report known absolute waste generation for a given space, regardless of the % of ownership. If the area produces waste but the quantity is unknown, leave this field empty. See examples below. Estimation: Participants must use actual data (non-estimated). However, GRESB allows asset-level estimates under specific conditions outlined in the Data Quality & Validation page when actual data is partially unavailable. See definitions for waste types below: Hazardous waste: A solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical/chemical/infectious characteristic,s may either cause, or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality/serious irreversible illness. Hazardous waste might also pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed. Non-hazardous waste: Waste that does not have the potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment.
Data coverage *Mandatory	I6	Calculate data coverage based on waste data availability in the reporting year and the period prior to it. Data coverages are calculated by dividing the floor area covered (for which waste data is available) by the maximum floor area (for which waste is generated and could have been collected). Formula: [Data coverage] = [Floor Area Covered] / [Maximum Floor Area]

Data

Cell Code

Instructions

Hazardous and non-hazardous waste

G6-H6

Report the absolute hazardous and non-hazardous waste weight generated by the asset for both reporting years.

Generation Value: Participants must report known absolute waste generation for a given space, regardless of the % of ownership. If the area produces waste but the quantity is unknown, leave this field empty. See examples below.
Estimation: Participants must use actual data (non-estimated). However, GRESB allows asset-level estimates under specific conditions outlined in the Data Quality & Validation page when actual data is partially unavailable.

See definitions for waste types below:

Hazardous waste: A solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical/chemical/infectious characteristic,s may either cause, or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality/serious irreversible illness. Hazardous waste might also pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.
Non-hazardous waste: Waste that does not have the potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment.

Data coverage

*Mandatory

Calculate data coverage based on waste data availability in the reporting year and the period prior to it.

Data coverages are calculated by dividing the floor area covered (for which waste data is available) by the maximum floor area (for which waste is generated and could have been collected).

Formula: [Data coverage] = [Floor Area Covered] / [Maximum Floor Area]

Validation: What evidence is required?

This indicator is subject to automatic validation. No evidence is required.\ \ Refer to the page below for guidance on how to resolve automatic validation errors and warnings.\ \ Validation Basics

*** ## Scoring {% hint style="info" %} *Waste consumption influences the **data coverage** (2 points total) score calculation.* {% endhint %}

Data Coverage

**Step 1: Score Each Asset** GRESB compares asset-level data coverage (*calculated based on the area for which data is available*) against a relevant benchmark distribution based on the same property sub-type and country, and specific to landlord-controlled and tenant-controlled areas. The benchmark comparison determines the asset's score. **Step 2: Aggregate to the Property Subtype | Country Level** GRESB aggregates the asset-level scores to each property sub-type and country combination, using a weighted mean calculated by multiplying floor area by the percentage of ownership and the length of ownership period in the reporting year. **Step 3: Aggregate to the Portfolio Level** GRESB aggregates the scores for each property sub-type and country into a single portfolio score, weighted by the gross asset value (GAV) for each property sub-type and country.

## Frequently Asked Questions

How should I convert volume to waste?

GRESB does not prescribe a specific conversion factor, since entities themselves will have better waste composition data to inform this choice. Please see this list of volume-weight conversion factors from the UN EPA, which might be useful to participants: Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors, April 2016 (epa.gov)

How does GRESB construct the benchmarks used to score performance metrics?

First, an attempt is made to construct a benchmark by grouping values from assets with the same Property Sub-Type and located in the same Country. If there are not at least 20 values from 5 distinct reporting entities, the Property Sub-Type classification and then the Country specificity are gradually decreased. For example, the Property Sub-Type becomes Property Type and then Property Sector. Then the specificity of the Country is decreased to Sub-Region, Region, Super-Region, and Global.

It isn't feasible to obtain tenant-controlled consumption data. Will this penalize my results, and how does GRESB ensure fair benchmarking across landlord controlled and tenant controlled areas?

Participants must report tenant-controlled data coverage and consumption where available. If tenant-controlled data is not available, corresponding data coverage scores will reflect this. GRESB recognizes that this may be challenging in some scenarios. GRESB's methodology mitigates this by scoring and benchmarking data coverage and like-for-like metrics *separately* for tenant-controlled and landlord-controlled spaces. In doing so, entities that struggle to retrieve tenant consumption data are fairly compared with other assets within the same country and property type facing similar barriers. Conversely, entities that successfully capture accurate performance data for tenant-controlled spaces can achieve more favorable benchmarking outcomes and establish themselves as industry leaders.

## Get Support: Solution Providers **GRESB Solution Providers** are independent, third-party organizations within the GRESB Partner network that offer specialized products, tools, and services to support sustainability performance outside the GRESB Assessment process. The organizations below deliver commercially available solutions designed to help drive improvement for this indicator. Engagement is managed directly between the reporting entity and the Solution Provider. GRESB will continue to update this section as the GRESB Solution Provider network grows. Please check back regularly to find GRESB Solution Providers who can support your sustainability performance.

	Cover image
See Directory Profile	/files/qCwIJPMETRWb1WHqU2Jp	Arc Perform
See Directory Profile	/files/hKor50w96NXvdSL4p90t	Carrot
See Directory Profile	/files/xYMqbv56O4HNGjuboEba		GARC Holding
See Directory Profile	/files/nXUT4zFqylGQutqLpMIE	KTV Working Drone

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