Scoring Basics
The GRESB assessment scoring process is fully automated based on the methodology outlined on this page. It includes several key principles:
It is not possible to estimate the GRESB Score due to the influence of validation decisions.
Scoring Weights
How does weighted scoring work?
For some indicators, scoring is based solely on the cumulative sum of the scoring weights assigned to the indicator's elements. These weights, displayed in red on the left side of each indicator, represent the allocation of total available points per indicator according to the priorities established by the GRESB Foundation, aligning with market trends and sustainability best practices.
Oftentimes, not all elements within an indicator need to be selected to achieve full points. If the sum of weights exceeds the indicator's maximum score, the score will be capped at that maximum.
Formulas and Examples
Example without sub-options:
Indicator score =
[ (Sum of scoring weights) ] × (Maximum score for the indicator)
Example: Indicator LLE3 (3 points). Each applicable action contributes a specific scoring weight; Deriving an impact analysis of new construction/major renovation holds a scoring weight of 1/6.
If an entity chooses three applicable actions, the calculation will read as follows:
Example with multiple sub-options:
When indicators have options and sub-options, the scoring weight for each sub-option is first summed, and the resulting value is multiplied by the main fraction assigned to the main option. The final score is the cumulative sum of these weighted sub-options across all main options within the indicator, multiplied by the indicator's maximum points.
Indicator score =
[ (Sum of the sub-option scoring weights for each main option) × (Main option weight for each option) ] × Maximum score for the indicator
Example: indicator LLE1 - Sustainability leadership commitments (1 point). The indicator consists of two main options, where the first option has a weight of 3/4 and the second option carries a weight of 1/4. Within each main option, there are several sub-options, each with its own assigned weight. If an entity chooses five elements within General sustainability commitments, and two elements within Net Zero commitments, the calculation would read as:
Multipliers
How do scoring multipliers work?
The score of some indicators is further adjusted by applying multipliers that either increase or decrease the indicator’s score. Multipliers are classified into different categories:
Validation Status
Evidence: If supporting evidence for indicators is fully accepted, it results in the application of the full multiplier (100%) to the indicator's score. If supporting evidence is partially accepted, it results in a reduced multiplier (50%). If the evidence is not accepted, the multiplier is set to 0, regardless of the original selection. Indicators and answers subject to manual validation are listed here.
Coverage Percentages
Coverage Percentages: The coverage percentage reported is used as a multiplier to determine the assigned score. This multiplier applies to the scoring of the following indicators:
Percentage of employees: LSE1, LSE2, LSE3.2 and LSE4
Formulas and Examples
Single Multiplier Example
For indicators with a single multiplier, the final score is calculated using the following formula:
Indicator score = [ (Sum of scoring weights) × Multiplier ] × Maximum score for the indicator
Example: Indicator LLE5 - Personnel Sustainability Performance Targets (2 points). Each selected personnel group contributes a specific scoring weight. It is mandatory to upload evidence that supports the entity’s selections. The evidence’s validation status (i.e., accepted, partially accepted or not accepted) is associated with a scoring weight that is used as a multiplier to determine the final score. Governing bodies and leadership roles hold a scoring weight of 3/8, and investment and sustainability professional roles hold a scoring weight of 2/8.
If an entity chooses two governing bodies and one sustainability professional, but its evidence is given a partially accepted validation status (multiplier: 0.5), the calculation would be as follows:
Static Scoring
What is static scoring?
All indicators in the Lender Assessment are scored using static weights, meaning predefined values are used to assess a portfolio's performance.
In these cases, the points assigned to an indicator are fixed based on the number of selections chosen and the corresponding multipliers, where applicable.
The scoring outcome remains unaffected by the participant's relative performance compared to its benchmark group. Instead, these indicators are assessed based on whether the participant meets certain predefined criteria.
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