# Policies The **Policy** aspect confirms the existence and scope of the entity’s policies that address environmental, social, and governance issues. *** {% stepper %} {% step %} ## RPO1: Environmental Policies


Max Score	1.5 Points
Validation	Evidence and Other Answer are Manually Validated

**Does the entity have a policy/policies on environmental issues?**

#### Assessment Instructions

Intent: What is the purpose of this indicator?

This indicator describes the existence and scope of policies that address environmental issues. Policies on environmental issues help entities incorporate sustainability criteria into daily business practices.

Input: How do I complete this indicator?

Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options. #### Terminology **Biodiversity and habitat** > Issues related to wildlife, endangered species, ecosystem services, habitat management, and relevant topics. Biodiversity refers to the variety of all plant and animal species. Habitat refers to the natural environment in which these plant and animal species live and function. **Climate change adaptation** > Preparation for long-term change in climatic conditions or climate related events. Examples of climate change adaptation measures can include, but are not limited to: building flood defenses, xeriscaping and using tree species resistant to storms and fires, adapting building codes to extreme weather events. **Energy consumption** > The use of energy by the entity. **Feedback sessions** > Meetings with individual stakeholders to gather feedback about sustainability-specific issues. **Greenhouse gas emissions** > GHGs refers to the seven gases listed in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard: carbon dioxide (CO₂); methane (CH₄); nitrous oxide (N₂O); hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); perfluorocarbons (PFCs); nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆). They are expressed in CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e). **Indoor environmental quality** > Refers to the conditions inside the building. It includes air quality, access to daylight and views, pleasant acoustic conditions and occupant control over lighting and thermal comfort. **Material sourcing** > Responsible sourcing of materials considers the environmental, social and economic impacts of the procurement and production of products and materials. **Net Zero** > Net zero means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed from the atmosphere. **Policy** > Defines a commitment, direction or intention as formally adopted by the entity. **Pollution prevention** > Any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution. Pollution includes air pollution, noise pollution, light pollution, thermal pollution, land/soil pollution, and water/marine pollution (including groundwater, wastewater, and stormwater). Smoking and/tobacco policy is not a pollution prevention policy/strategy. **Resilience to catastrophe/disaster** > Preparedness of the built environment towards existing and future threats of natural disaster (e.g., the ability to absorb disturbances such as increased precipitation or flooding while maintaining its structure). This can be achieved by management policies, informational technologies, educating tenants, communities, suppliers and physical measures at the asset level. **Sustainable procurement** > Encourage, facilitate or require the reduction of consumption of goods within the building or premises and/or the sourcing of sustainable or ethical goods. Clauses can relate to reduction of paper consumption, supply of biodegradable materials, use of recycled paper, building materials, etc. **Waste management** > Issues associated with hazardous and non-hazardous waste generation, reuse, recycling, composting, recovery, incineration, landfill and on-site storage. **Water consumption** > The use of water resources by the entity.

Validation: What evidence is required?

#### Evidence The evidence provided will be subject to manual validation. The provided evidence must demonstrate the existence of **formal** policy document(s) that address(es) each of the selected environmental issues and not simply a list of general goals and/or commitments. A policy is a guide for action that can serve the purpose of: * Outlining rules and procedures * Providing principles that guide action * Setting roles and responsibilities * Describing values and beliefs * Stating an intention to act or achieve defined goals and/or company vision Acceptable evidence may include, but is not limited to, an environmental policy document, official documents, or links to online resources describing the entity's environmental policy(ies). References such as bullet points or passages within a policy can be provided to describe the goals or ambitions for each issue. The evidence should support each of the selected issues with a relevant document, such as an energy consumption policy or a waste management policy. Note that overarching environmental policy documents covering multiple issues must have separate sections/clauses relevant to each of the selected issues. #### Net Zero Policy Evidence provided for the Net Zero policy is subject to the same reporting requirements as policies on other environmental issues. The same document can be used to support the existence of a policy addressing Net Zero as well as all other selected environmental issues. #### **Other Answer** The other answer(s) provided will be subject to manual validation. List applicable environmental issues that apply to the entity but are not already listed. Ensure that the ‘Other’ answer provided is not a duplicate or subset of another option (e.g. “Recycling” when “‘Waste” is selected). It is possible to report multiple ‘Other’ answers. If multiple ‘Other’ answers are acceptable, only one will be counted towards scoring. Validation Basics

#### Scoring

Scoring: How does GRESB score this indicator?

The scoring of this indicator is equal to the fraction assigned to the selected option, multiplied by the total score of the indicator. **Evidence:** The evidence is manually validated and assigned a multiplier, according to the table below. The evidence must support the validation requirements. If any requirements are not met, the evidence may be partially accepted or not accepted depending on the level of alignment with the requirements. | Validation status | Multiplier | | ------------------ | ---------- | | Accepted | 2/2 | | Partially Accepted | 1/2 | | Not Accepted | 0 | **Other:** The 'Other' answer is manually validated and assigned a score which is used as a multiplying factor, as per the table below: | Validation status | Score | | ----------------- | ----- | | Accepted | 1/1 | | Not Accepted | 0 | | Duplicate | 0 | Scoring Basics

*** {% endstep %} {% step %} ## RPO2: Social Policies


Max Score	1.5 Points
Validation	Evidence and Other Answer are Manually Validated

**Does the entity have a policy/policies on social issues?**

#### Assessment Instructions

Intent: What is the purpose of this indicator?

This indicator evaluates whether the entity has policies that address key social issues and the breadth of those policies. Clear social policies help organizations integrate sustainability considerations into their operations and support responsible business practices.

Input: How do I complete this indicator?

Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options. ### **Terminology** **Child labor** > Work that children should not be doing because they are too young, or, if they have reached the minimum age, because it is dangerous or otherwise unsuitable for them. **Community development** > Actions to minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse social and/or economic impacts, and/or to identify opportunities or actions to enhance positive impacts on individuals/groups living or working in areas that are affected/could be affected by the organization's activities. **Customer satisfaction** > Customer satisfaction is one measure of an entity's sensitivity to its customers’ needs and preferences and, from an organizational perspective, is essential for long-term success. In the context of sustainability, customer satisfaction provides insight into how the entity approaches its relationship with one stakeholder group (customers). **Human capital** > Human capital refers to the knowledge, culture, skills, experience, and overall contributions of an organization’s workforce. It encompasses strategies for fairly attracting, developing, and retaining talent, fostering a productive and engaged workplace, and ensuring fair and effective workforce management. Many organizational approaches can contribute to human capital objectives, including talent development & advancement; skills-based hiring & development; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. **Employee engagement** > An employee's involvement with, commitment to, and satisfaction with the entity. **Employee health & well-being** > The health & well-being of employees responsible for the entity. **Employee remuneration** > Remuneration is payment or compensation received for services or employment. This includes a basic salary plus additional amounts such as those based on years of service, bonuses including cash and equity such as stocks and shares, benefit payments, overtime, time owed, and any additional allowances (such as transportation, living and childcare allowances). **Forced or compulsory labor** > All work or service which is expected from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily. **Freedom of association** > Right of employers and workers to form, to join and to run their own organizations without prior authorization or interference by the state or any other entity. **Health & safety: community** > The health & safety of the community surrounding the entity. **Health and safety: contractors** > The health and safety of the entity's contractors. **Health and safety: employees** > The health and safety of employees responsible for the entity. **Health & safety: tenant/customer** > The health & safety of tenants and customers of the entity. **Human rights** > Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever their nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language or any other status. **Labor standards and working conditions** > Labor standards and working conditions are at the core of paid work and employment relationships. Working conditions cover a broad range of topics and issues, from working time (hours of work, rest periods, and work schedules) to remuneration, as well as the physical conditions and mental demands that exist in the workplace. **Policy** > Defines a commitment, direction or intention as formally adopted by the entity. **Social enterprise partnering** > Entity’s partnerships with organizations that have social objectives which serve as the primary purpose of the organization. **Stakeholder relations** > Stakeholder relations is the practice of forging mutually beneficial connections with third-party groups and individuals that have a stake in common interest.

Validation: What evidence is required?

#### Evidence The evidence provided will be subject to manual validation. The provided evidence must demonstrate the existence of **formal** policy document(s) that address(es) each of the selected social issues and not simply a list of general goals and/or commitments. A policy is a guide for action which can serve the purpose of: * Outlining rules and procedures * Providing principles that guide action * Setting roles and responsibilities * Describing values and beliefs * Stating an intention to act or achieve defined goals and/or company vision Acceptable evidence may include, but is not limited to, a social policy document, official documents or links to online resources describing the entity's social policy(ies). References such as bullet points or passages within a policy, can be provided to describe the goals or ambition for each issue. The evidence should support each of the selected issues with a relevant document such as an employee health & wellbeing policy, human rights policy, code of conduct, or community investment statement. Note that overarching social policy documents covering multiple issues must have separate sections/clauses relevant to each of the selected issues #### **Other Answer** The other answer(s) provided will be subject to manual validation. List applicable social issues that apply to the entity but are not already listed. Ensure that the ‘Other’ answer provided is not a duplicate or subset of another option (e.g. “Collective bargaining agreements” when “‘Freedom of association” is selected). It is possible to report multiple ‘Other’ answers. If multiple ‘Other’ answers are acceptable, only one will be counted in scoring. Validation Basics

#### Scoring

Scoring: How does GRESB score this indicator?

{% endstep %} {% step %} ## RPO3: Governance Policies


Max Score	1.5 Points
Validation	Evidence and Other Answer are Manually Validated

**Does the entity have a policy/policies on governance issues?**

#### Assessment Instructions

Intent: What is the purpose of this indicator?

This indicator evaluates whether the entity has policies that address key governance issues and the scope of those policies. Strong governance policies help embed sustainability considerations into business practices, support effective oversight, and reinforce accountability across the organization.

Input: How do I complete this indicator?

Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options. #### Terminology **Bribery** > The offering, giving, receiving or soliciting an item of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal fiduciary duty. **Corruption** > Abuse of entrusted power for private gain. **Cyber security** > Protection from an assault by a third party via a computer against another computer or computer system, which is intended to compromise the integrity, availability or confidentiality of that computer or computer system. **Data protection and privacy** > Customer privacy includes matters such as the protection of data; the use of information or data for their original intended purpose only, unless specifically agreed otherwise; the obligation to observe confidentiality; and the protection of information or data from misuse or theft. **Executive compensation** > The financial payments and non-monetary benefits provided to high-level management in exchange for their work on behalf of an entity. **Fiduciary duty** > Refers to the obligations of loyalty and care in regard to the responsibility of managing someone else’s assets. A fiduciary duty is a position of trust and examples include a duty of confidentiality, a duty of no conflict, and a duty not to profit from his position. **Forced or compulsory labor** > All work or service which is expected from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily. **Fraud** > Wrongful deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. **Governance issues** > Governance structure and composition of the entity. This includes how the highest governance body is established and structured in support of the entity’s purpose, and how this purpose relates to economic, environmental and social dimensions. **Political contributions** > Financial or in-kind support given directly or indirectly to political parties, their elected representatives, or persons seeking political office. **Shareholder rights** > Can include the right to share in the company's profitability, income, and assets; a proxy statement; a degree of control and influence over company management selection; preemptive rights to newly issued shares; and general meeting voting rights.

Validation: What evidence is required?

#### Evidence The evidence provided will be subject to manual validation. The provided evidence must demonstrate the existence of **formal** policy document(s) that address(es) each of the selected governance issues and not simply a list of general goals and/or commitments. A policy is a guide for action that can serve the purpose of: * Outlining rules and procedures * Providing principles that guide action * Setting roles and responsibilities * Describing values and beliefs * Stating an intention to act or achieve defined goals and/or company vision Acceptable evidence may include, but is not limited to, a governance policy document, official documents or links to online resources describing the entity's governance policy(ies). References such as bullet points or passages within a policy can be provided to describe the goals or ambition for each issue. The evidence should support each of the selected issues with a relevant document, such as a cybersecurity policy, board charter, code of conduct or shareholder rights policy/agreement. Note that overarching governance policy documents covering multiple issues must have separate sections/clauses relevant to each of the selected issues. #### **Other Answer** The other answer(s) provided will be subject to manual validation. List applicable governance issues that apply to the entity but are not already listed. Ensure that the ‘Other’ answer provided is not a duplicate or subset of another option (e.g. “Solicitation” when “‘Bribery” is selected). It is possible to report multiple ‘Other’ answers. If multiple ‘Other’ answers are acceptable, only one will be counted in scoring. Validation Basics

#### Scoring

Scoring: How does GRESB score this indicator?

{% endstep %} {% endstepper %} ## Frequently Asked Questions

Can a policy that addresses emissions reduction qualify as a Net Zero Policy?

No. A policy solely on reducing emissions would not qualify as a Net Zero Policy. GRESB requires a Net Zero Policy to explicitly address Net Zero or Carbon Neutrality.

I have the relevant policies, but they are not on our website. Can I still answer "Yes" to these indicators for PO1-3?

Yes. Public disclosure is not required. If you have the policies documented and implemented within your organization you can answer "Yes" regardless of whether they are publicly available.

My company rebranded during the reporting year. Which version of policies should we submit for PO1-3?

GRESB recommends uploading the most recent (post-rebranding) versions of your documents, as these will be used to pre-fill some indicators in your next assessment. However, GRESB accepts policies that were in effect at any time during the reporting year (Fiscal year or Calendar year, as selected in indicator EC4). This means you can upload either the pre-rebranding policy, the post-rebranding policy, or both. Please use the open text box to explain that the rebranding occurred, and the entity name changed during the year.

My entity recently updated our internal policies. Can I submit these as
evidence?

Yes, as long as the policy was in place at some point during the reporting year (Fiscal year or Calendar year, as selected in indicator EC4). However, if a policy update was released *after* the reporting year ended, it will not be accepted, since the policy was not applicable at any point during the reporting year.

For the PO1-3 'Exemption Criteria' to apply, do I need to pre-fill my indicator response, or will GRESB do this automatically?

If participants wish to use the PO1-3 [exemption](#exemption-criteria), they must select the pre-filling option to carry the previous year's responses to PO1-3 into the current assessment. GRESB will not pre-populate anything on an entity's behalf.

## Get Support: Solution Providers GRESB Solution Providers deliver specialized products, tools, and services to improve sustainability performance outside the Assessment process. The organizations below deliver solutions that help drive improvement for this indicator. 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.

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