Data Center Assessment

How is the assessment organized?

The GRESB Data Center Assessment framework breaks down portfolio evaluation into increasingly detailed levels:

Level	Description
Component	The highest-level category in the assessment. Each component represents a broad area of sustainability evaluation (e.g., Management, New Development & Operations, New Development, Operations, Innovation). Choosing the assessment component(s) to submit is at the participant’s discretion. An entity's component selection determines which benchmark(s) and/or sector insight it participates in.
Aspect	Each section is made up of several aspects, which group together related themes. For example, within the Management component, there are aspects such as Leadership, Strategy, Transparency, Value Chain Engagement, Physical Risk & Resilience, and Certifications.
Indicator	The most detailed level of the hierarchy. Indicators are specific, measurable questions used to assess performance within an aspect (e.g., “TR1: Formal Sustainability Disclosure”).

See Indicators List

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How is indicator-level guidance organized?

Each indicator page in the GRESB Data Center Assessment is structured to provide both a high-level overview and detailed completion guidance:

1. At the top of each indicator page, summary cards provide a concise overview of the indicator’s key characteristics:

Base Score

Number of Maximum Points

The maximum scores for the New Development and Operations components are calculated based on split between development and operational sites. Therefore, actual scores will vary based on each portfolio composition.

Variable Score

Validation

Evidence required (or not)

Indicates whether supporting evidence is required to validate the response and receive the maximum available points.

Multipliers

Control dependent?

Yes/No

Indicates whether the indicator control-weighted score is adjusted based on the entity's reported level of control.

Control-Weighted Score

1. Below the summary cards, the detailed indicator guidance is provided:

Indicator Question	The exact question as presented in the assessment.
Indicator Visual	An image of the indicator, including all answer selections.
Intent	Explains the purpose of the indicator within the assessment.
Input	Provides instructions on how to complete the indicator and clarifies relevant terminology.
Validation	Outlines validation requirements for submitted evidence (where applicable).
Scoring	Breaks down how the indicator is scored, including how selections affect the final score.