GRESB gap analysis | Back to the future!

It is when new GRESB clients and new colleagues hear about our approach to a gap analysis for an entity that is going to submit its real estate assessment the following year that we truly realise how innovative and totally customer-centric we are!

And because our nature of competent sellers-and-doers has allowed us to grow over the years while keeping time and resources invested in marketing to a minimum, we have never described our thorough process in detail. Until now, when we have asked our senior consultant Theo Bibby to explain what makes us unique in this space and how we allow funds, REITs and property companies to buy three extra months in any reporting year for their improvement plans before 31st December.

Here’s the full story, enjoy!

Maximising GRESB scores with E.S.G. Solutions: a strategic three-step approach to gap analyses

With the final GRESB results being published only on 1st October, companies face a short window to review their performance and implement improvements ahead of the next reporting year (e.g. by 31st December for calendar-year reporters). This rush can often create a stressful end to the year, with last-minute requests like building certifications right before the holidays.

At E.S.G. Solutions, we believe that success is about foresight, strategy and proactive action, which is why we offer a three-step approach to our GRESB gap analyses. Here’s how our unique approach works:

Step 1: The Summer gap analysis
Our process kicks off with a high-level summer gap analysis, following our clients’ submission of the GRESB Assessment by 1st July. Rather than waiting for the official results in October, this analysis will give an indication of your results and help to identify and prioritise potential gaps in your current submission. This analysis is based on the existing standards and is in place to provide three additional months to act. Clients who leverage these insights are able to begin implementing key improvement measures well before the final results are published, offering a greater opportunity to enhance their scores ahead of time.

This gap analysis may be reviewed on or around 1st September as GRESB has made it a practice to release preliminary Benchmark Reports and scores at that time to provide all stakeholders with time to review results and ensure that final Benchmark Reports are of the highest quality when they will finally be released. 

Step 2: The Results gap analysis
This is the typical “standard” gap analysis that industry peers and competitors tend to deliver. Once GRESB publishes the final results on 1st October, E.S.G. Solutions moves to the next phase with a more comprehensive gap analysis. This in-depth review consolidates insights from the official results alongside confirming the findings from the summer gap analysis. As part of this delivery we provide a detailed summary of key takeaways and missed opportunities, as well as supporting our clients in preparing a narrative to explain the results to their investors. Clients who work with us on this step gain the confidence to address gaps and capitalise on strengths, allowing them to make better strategic decisions moving forward. We also tailor our insights to match exactly what clients need for their reporting and internal communications.

Step 3: The Assessment Change gap analysis
GRESB doesn’t stand still, and neither should our Clients’ sustainability strategy. The final part of our process is crucial for staying ahead of the curve. After GRESB publishes the list of changes for future assessments, we assess how these updates might impact our Clients’ future scoring. By sharing these insights well before the year’s end, we enable our clients to make necessary adjustments to their sustainability initiatives, ensuring they remain competitive and well-positioned to maximise their GRESB scores moving forward.

At E.S.G. Solutions, we believe that preparing for success begins today, not tomorrow. Our gap analyses offer a roadmap to improve both our Clients’ current performance and their future potential in the GRESB Assessment. By taking a proactive approach and providing a three-step analysis, we ensure that our clients are not just prepared, but leading the charge towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.