What's New
Published March 31, 2026
Resources & Support
About GRESB Guides
Infrastructure Standard Development
The 2026 Infrastructure Standards updates reduce reporting burden through a more static Fund Assessment, sharpen focus on material issues such as sustainability-related risk and net zero, and ensure that GRESB results remain actionable and relevant.
Fund Assessment
The Fund Assessment becomes more static, reducing annual reporting where no material changes occur. Funds are encouraged to use the pre-fill functionality which is pre-selected upon starting the submission.
A few indicators remain not entirely pre-fillable due to their variable nature and are flagged to the user directly in the Assessment Portal. Some key highlights include:
RC2: Review of GAV and NAV values, which change annually.
RP1: This indicator has been simplified to require a single disclosure type, reducing reporting effort.
RC6 (Portfolio of Assets): Funds are encouraged to review and update any linked assets.
Find the full Infrastructure Fund Standard updates here
Asset Assessment
Updates include streamlining the reporting process and decreasing reporting burden for Participants, raising the bar on sustainability reporting and risk assessment requirements, and reflecting materiality outcomes for net zero more accurately.
Key highlights:
RP1: Simplified to require a single disclosure type, reducing reporting burden
GH2: Improved treatment of net-zero materiality for renewables assets and separate reporting on GHG emissions and net zero
RM2.1, RM2.2, RM2.3: Participants are now required to have identified, analyzed, evaluated, and treated the risks they select as part of the risk assessment indicators
NZIF Alignment Module integrated into the Asset Assessment
Minor updates to climate scenarios and management systems
Find the full Infrastructure Asset Standard updates here
Development Asset Assessment
Updates include measures to further streamline the reporting process and raise the bar for sustainability reporting.
Key highlights:
RP1: Simplified to require a single disclosure type, reducing reporting burden
Minor updates to climate scenarios and management systems
Find the full Infrastructure Development Asset Standard updates here
NZIF Alignment for Infrastructure
The GRESB NZIF Alignment Tool is now available as part of the GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment.
Following a successful pilot in 2025, the new tool, developed with IIGCC, provides a standardized approach to understanding how infrastructure assets, funds, and portfolios align with the Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF). It uses existing GRESB data reported through the Asset Assessment alongside a short, voluntary GRESB NZIF Module.
The tool can help infrastructure investors, managers, and assets:
gain a consistent, comparable view of NZIF alignment across participating assets and portfolios
support clearer and more focused engagement on net-zero progress
reduce the need for multiple or bespoke NZIF-related data requests to managers and assets
Participation in the GRESB NZIF Module is optional and free for assets taking part in the GRESB Infrastructure Asset Assessment. As a result, assets that complete the module will receive a GRESB NZIF Alignment Report. Investors and managers with access to the asset’s GRESB Benchmark Report also receive access to the NZIF Alignment Report. Participation in the module does not affect GRESB Scores or benchmarks.
You can learn more about the GRESB NZIF Alignment Tool on the GRESB website.
For further details, the GRESB NZIF Module guidance is available here.
Improved GRESB Experience
GRESB has introduced several enhancements to reduce workload, improve usability, and strengthen data quality:
Assessment portal improvements:
Enhanced pre-fill function for Fund Assessment
Indicators with a scoring change due to Standard Updates will now be flagged with a 2026 Scoring Update label and linked to corresponding guidance
GRESB Assessment Q&A Webinar
On April 2nd, the GRESB Member Success team held a live webinar for participants to discuss and ask questions about the 2026 Infrastructure Assessments.
Watch the session on-demand here:
Resources & Support
GRESB Guides
Earlier this year, GRESB launched GRESB Guides, a redesigned resource platform that brings together all core assessment guidance and replaces legacy resource areas—making it easier to find the information you need.
Updated structure: In response to Member feedback, each assessment now has its own dedicated space consolidating key guidance into an all-in-one platform.
AI-supported search feature (Beta): GRESB Guides now includes an enhanced search feature that provides short, AI-supported answers directly from the search box. This feature is currently in Beta (testing phase) while GRESB continues to refine it and collect user feedback. Always verify responses against the official guidance and review this disclaimer before use.
Read more about GRESB Guides here
GRESB Helpdesk
The GRESB Helpdesk is powered by the GRESB Member Success Team, dedicated to providing GRESB Members (Investors, Participants, and Partners) with timely and responsive support on the GRESB Assessment.
Contact [email protected] for support from the Member Success Team.
GRESB Participants requiring additional assistance with their submission can also refer to our network of contracted GRESB Partners. See our Partner Directory.
Strengthen Your Submission with GRESB
Starting April 1, participants can request a Pre-Submission Check—an evidence validation review which includes a one-hour call and a report outlining findings and feedback.
New in 2026:
Technical Expert Touchpoint: Available year-round, this service provides focused, one-on-one face time engagement with a GRESB Member Success expert, offering tailored guidance at any stage of your GRESB journey.
Success Suite: A new bundled offering that brings together core premium support elements in the GRESB journey, including: one GRESB AP seat, one Technical Expert Touchpoint, one Pre-Submission Check, eligibility to opt in to Assessment Correction, and one Results Performance Review (formerly Results Consultation).
Post-assessment services: Get familiar with the Assessment Correction and Results Performance Review for a thorough review of your assessment results. In 2024, participants who used the Results Performance Review saw their GRESB score jump by approximately seven points on average compared to the year before.
For any questions about the Assessments, services, or products, please contact the GRESB Member Relations team.
Technical Clarifications
This section will note any clarifications or additions that GRESB makes to the assessment guidance from April 1st onwards.
Independent third-party definition (RP1): Positioned the definition as a set of exemplary characteristics underpinning 'independence,' rather than a set of hard restrictions, by removing the reference to "must."
About GRESB Guides
Welcome to GRESB Guides, GRESB's dedicated knowledge hub. GRESB launched this platform in 2026 to streamline access to key information and create a more intuitive user learning experience.
This page will guide you through everything you need to know about the improvements GRESB made to its educational material in 2026. It categorizes these improvements as:
Structural changes: Understand how to find the content you're looking for.
Guidance clarifications: Learn about member-driven clarifications to GRESB guidance.
Note that these improvements differ in scope from Standards-related updates, which the GRESB Foundation oversees. See here for 2026 Standards Updates.
Structural Changes
GRESB Guides replaces the legacy resource areas (e.g., documents.gresb.com) with a more practical user experience that reflects how participants complete GRESB Assessments. The content remains completely aligned with the GRESB Standards; what changed is the accessibility and clarity of guidance.
This section summarizes the location of legacy guidance materials in GRESB Guides. To identify the exact location of key information, GRESB strongly recommends using the search bar at the top of the screen.
Tip: Filter your search for "Only the current section" to generate more precise results.
Where can I find familiar resources in GRESB Guides?
Indicator reporting instructions
Reference Guide
Completing GRESB Assessments > Indicator Page
Indicator validation requirements
Reference Guide
Completing GRESB Assessments > Indicator Page
Indicator scoring
Scoring Document
Completing GRESB Assessments > Indicator Page
Reporting scope requirements
Reference Guide Introduction
Getting Started > Assessment Structure and Scope
Assessment structure
Reference Guide Introduction
Getting Started > Assessment Structure and Scope
Tecnical FAQs
Standalone PDF
Completing GRESB Assessments > Indicator Page
Estimation rules
Reference Guide Appendix
Completing GRESB Assessments > Supporting Information
Validation information
Reference Guide Appendix
Completing GRESB Assessments > Supporting Information
Indicator summary guide
Standalone PDF
Completing GRESB Assessments > Aspect and Indicator Pages
Standard updates and GRESB Foundation Roadmap
Standalone PDFs
Getting Started > GRESB Standards
How to Read your Benchmark Report
Standalone PDF
Leveraging your Data > Results Insights
Peer Group methodology
Standalone PDF / GRESB website
Leveraging your Data > Results Insights
Portfolio Analysis Tool (PAT)
GRESB website / Training platform
Leveraging your Data > Asset and Portfolio Analysis
Data Exporter
GRESB website
Leveraging your Data > Data Management
Guidance Clarifications
General Clarifications
Language Clarity
Modified content for grammatical correctness and consistency, and updated terminology where needed to improve clarity across the site
Indicator Intents
Refreshed numerous indicator intent sections to ensure they remain aligned with the goals of the GRESB Standards
Asset Performance
Improved the readability of performance indicator (e.g., Energy, Air Pollution) instructions and scoring explanations
Scoring Explanations
Simplified and harmonized indicator-level scoring explanations
Specific Indicator Clarifications
Note that the table below does not include editorial improvements.
Fund
Verification/Assurance of Sustainability Data
RP1
Clarified that, while assurance/verification of sustainability disclosure should cover all sustainability information, GRESB will only seek to confirm that the third-party review covers a single sustainability topic.
Third-Party Independence
RP1
Defined third-party independence in the context of data review, which will be manually validated for a random sample of participants.
Employee Training
SE2
Refined the definitions of professional and sustainability-related training.
Third-Party Surveys
SE3
Refined the "Independent third-party" definition in the context of satisfaction survey administration.
Climate-Related Risk Management
RM3.1-3.6
Clarified that the open text boxes are considered during manual evidence validation. Defined "material financial impact."
Targets
T1
Amended the "science-based target" definition to correct an inaccuracy that did not properly reflect the Paris agreement language (which is to aim to keep warming well below 2°C, pursuing 1.5°C).
Asset
Management Component
Verification/Assurance of Sustainability Data
RP1
Clarified that, while assurance/verification of sustainability disclosure should cover all sustainability information, GRESB will only seek to confirm that the third-party review covers a single sustainability topic.
Third-Party Independence
RP1
Defined third-party independence in the context of data review, which will be manually validated for a random sample of participants.
Policy Evidence
PO1-3
Expanded upon evidence exemption criteria for scenarios in which policies remain unchanged.
Environmental Management System
RM1
Clarified that participant should select whether the entity is aligned or accredited to each standard.
Climate-Related Risk Management
RM.4.1-4.6
Clarified that the open text boxes are considered during manual evidence validation. Defined "material financial impact."
Performance Component
Data Review
GH1
Clarified that verification/assurance should cover Scope II location-based emissions, and that the "Externally checked" option is not scored.
Third-Party Independence
GH1
Defined third-party independence in the context of data review, which will be manually validated for a random sample of participants.
Targets
GH2
Amended the "science-based target" definition to correct an inaccuracy that did not properly reflect the Paris agreement language (which is to aim to keep warming well below 2°C, pursuing 1.5°C).
Health & Safety
HS1-2
Clarified the definition of recordable injuries.
Employee Training
EM1
Clarified that the percentage of employees should capture those who participated in training. Refined the definitions of professional and sustainability-related training.
Third-Party Surveys
EM1 / CU1
Refined the "Independent third-party" definition in the context of satisfaction survey administration.
Survey Coverage
EM1 / CU1
Amended the survey coverage calculation instructions to only consider individuals who could have received a survey (i.e., the number of potential recipients at the time of survey administration).
Development Asset
Verification/Assurance of Sustainability Data
RP1
Clarified that, while assurance/verification of sustainability disclosure should cover all sustainability information, GRESB will only seek to confirm that the third-party review covers a single sustainability topic.
Third-Party Independence
RP1
Defined third-party independence in the context of data review, which will be manually validated for a random sample of participants.
Climate-Related Risk Management
RM.5.1-5.6
Clarified that the open text boxes are considered during manual evidence validation. Defined "material financial impact."
Targets
GH1
Amended the "science-based target" definition to correct an inaccuracy that did not properly reflect the Paris agreement language (which is to aim to keep warming well below 2°C, pursuing 1.5°C).
Last updated
Was this helpful?