Purpose of this article
This article explains how efficiency measures are recorded in Scaler, how they map to GRESB Real Estate Assessment indicators RA3, RA4, and RA5, and how to review and use this data through the Scores dashboard.
Efficiency measures demonstrate that actions have been taken to improve asset performance — not just assessed — and are a core component of GRESB performance scoring. These measures are typically implemented periodically rather than annually and may remain valid across multiple reporting cycles.
What efficiency measures represent in Scaler
Efficiency measures record whether specific actions or interventions have been implemented at an asset to improve energy, water, or waste efficiency.
They are used to demonstrate that:
- Identified efficiency opportunities have been acted upon
- Improvements go beyond assessment and planning
In Scaler, efficiency measures are designed to align one-to-one with GRESB indicators, while allowing flexibility in how organisations implement, describe, and document those measures.
Where to enter efficiency measures
All efficiency measures are entered at the asset level.
Data Collection Portal → Portfolio → Asset List → edit asset → Assessments & Measures → Building measures
Within this section, you will see three distinct tables — one each for energy, water, and waste efficiency measures.
Each table shows, at a glance:
- The
Reporting year conducted
- The
Updated attimestamp
Comment
- If evidence has been attached
Each measure type supports multiple entries over time. When you open a measure to edit it, you can:
- Add a new entry for a different reporting year using Add new
- View the full history of entries logged for that measure type
- Edit or delete individual historical entries, including the
Reporting year conducted
- Add a
Description of measureandCommentto each entry
Entries are not overwritten year-to-year — each year's data is preserved as a separate record in the history.
Note The GRESB Asset Spreadsheet uses a column-per-type format, where each asset occupies a single row. As a result, the spreadsheet reflects only the most recent entry for each measure type. To view the full history of recorded years, or to edit or delete individual entries, use the platform directly.
Reporting year guidance
The Reporting year conducted field captures the reporting year in which the measure was implemented. Fiscal year reporters: enter the year in which the majority of your FY period falls. If your FY starts in July or later, the period belongs to the following reporting year.
Example 1: FY Jun 2025–May 2026 → reporting year 2025. Example 2: FY Jul 2025–Jun 2026 → reporting year 2026.
What counts as an efficiency measure
An efficiency measure is a documented action taken to reduce resource use or improve operational efficiency at an asset.
Energy efficiency measures
Measures undertaken to reduce energy consumption. Usually, the implementation of these measures is the result of technical building assessments focused on investigating the energy use and requirements of the asset based on its characteristics and installed equipment.
Energy efficiency measure definitions
Definitions are drawn from the GRESB Real Estate Reference Guide. Always verify against the current year's official documentation.
Energy efficiency measure | Definition |
Automatic energy meter readings (AMR) | Meter readings taken automatically at predefined frequencies by building management systems or smart metering systems. |
Automation system upgrades/replacements | Upgrades to computer-based centralised systems that control and monitor building equipment such as ventilation, air conditioning, heating, lighting, alarms, and communications. |
Management systems upgrades/replacements | Computer-based automated systems that monitor and control all energy-related systems, including all mechanical and electrical equipment. |
Installation of high-efficiency equipment and appliances | Specification and purchase of electrical equipment and appliances that minimise the asset's energy needs, including energy efficient lighting and HVAC upgrades. |
Installation of on-site renewable energy | Renewable energy produced on-site to meet some or all of the asset's energy requirements. |
Occupier engagement / informational technologies | Communication and information technologies implemented to inform and engage with tenants regarding their energy use. |
Smart grid / smart building technologies | Computer-based control and automation of electricity network systems to support and manage electricity demand sustainably. |
Systems commissioning or retro-commissioning | Ensuring that systems are designed, installed, functionally tested, and capable of being operated and maintained to perform optimally. |
Wall / roof insulations | N/A |
Window replacements | N/A |
Water efficiency measures
Measures undertaken to reduce water consumption across the portfolio.
Water efficiency measure definitions
Definitions are drawn from the GRESB Real Estate Reference Guide. Always verify against the current year's official documentation.
Water efficiency measure | Definition |
Cooling tower | Reduction of potable water consumption for cooling towers through effective water management or use of non-potable makeup water. |
Drip / smart irrigation | Systems that irrigate directly at the roots or adjust watering schedules based on weather, plant species, and soil type to reduce water use. |
Drought tolerant / native landscaping | Adapted or indigenous vegetation requiring minimal or no supplemental watering beyond natural rainfall. |
High efficiency / dry fixtures | Appliances and plumbing equipment that conserve water without compromising performance, including waterless fixtures. |
Leak detection system | Systems that detect water leaks, including condensate overflow, chiller water leaks, and plumbing line cracks. |
Metering of water subsystems | Installing sub-meters to measure water consumption of applicable subsystems, supporting effective water management. |
On-site waste water treatment | Decontamination of water following anthropogenic, industrial, or commercial use before release or reuse. |
Reuse of storm water and/or grey water | Collection and on-site storage of precipitation for reuse in non-potable applications such as irrigation and flush fixtures. |
Waste efficiency measures
Measures undertaken to reduce waste production and obtain optimised disposal methods.
Waste efficiency measure definitions
Definitions are drawn from the GRESB Real Estate Reference Guide. Always verify against the current year's official documentation.
Waste efficiency measure | Definition |
Technical building assessment – waste | A technical building assessment covering issues associated with hazardous and non-hazardous waste generation, reuse, recycling, composting, recovery, incineration, landfill, and on-site storage. |
Composting landscape and/or food waste | Controlled decomposition of organic material, either on-site or via a composting service provider. |
Ongoing waste performance monitoring | Tracking and measuring waste volumes generated on at least a quarterly basis to identify diversion and recycling opportunities. |
Recycling | A program for materials that can be locally recycled, with appropriately sized collection and storage areas to enable occupants to sort and divert materials from landfill. |
Waste management | Hazardous and non-hazardous waste management including reuse, recycling, composting, recovery, incineration, landfill, and on-site storage. |
Waste stream audit | A formal process to quantify the type and amount of waste generated, to help identify effective waste reduction and recycling opportunities. |
How GRESB scoring works for efficiency measures
In GRESB, efficiency measures are scored based on the number of distinct measures reported. There is no multiplier for GFA covered for these indicators.
Energy efficiency measures (RA3)
GRESB allots a maximum of 1.5 points to this indicator.
- Each reported energy efficiency measure is worth 0.25 points
- Points are awarded regardless of how many assets the measure was performed on
- Points are awarded regardless of what percentage of GFA is covered
- Maximum score is reached at 6 measures (6 × 0.25 = 1.5)
Water efficiency measures (RA4)
GRESB allots a maximum of 1.0 point to this indicator.
- Each reported water efficiency measure is worth 0.25 points
- Points are awarded regardless of how many assets the measure was performed on
- Points are awarded regardless of what percentage of GFA is covered
- Maximum score is reached at 4 measures (4 × 0.25 = 1.0)
Waste efficiency measures (RA5)
GRESB allots a maximum of 1.0 point to this indicator.
- Each reported waste efficiency measure is worth 0.25 points
- Points are awarded regardless of how many assets the measure was performed on
- Points are awarded regardless of what percentage of GFA is covered
- Maximum score is reached at 4 measures (4 × 0.25 = 1.0)
How Scaler supports efficiency measures
Scaler captures efficiency measures at the asset level and aggregates coverage using GFA weighting. This allows users to:
- Understand portfolio-wide coverage for each efficiency category
- Identify gaps where no measures have been implemented
- Prepare accurate inputs for GRESB reporting — the relevant tables in the GRESB Portal are automatically populated based on the asset-level data in the GRESB Asset Spreadsheet
Reviewing efficiency measures in the Scores dashboard
Once data is entered, efficiency measures can be reviewed from the Analytics Portal.
Analytics Portal → Portfolio → Scores
Key points to understand:
- GRESB scores are calculated and displayed at the portfolio level — assets are not individually scored
- Bar charts at the top of the dashboard help identify assets with no valid efficiency measure
- Blue banners within each table explain how the table maps to the relevant GRESB indicator
- RA3, RA4, and RA5 data is automatically included in the GRESB Asset Spreadsheet
- Evidence and comments entered at asset level support audit readiness
Important note on GRESB guidance
It is always the user's responsibility to verify requirements, scoring rules, and interpretations directly against official GRESB documentation.
GRESB methodologies, indicator definitions, and scoring approaches may change between reporting cycles. Scaler does not guarantee that Knowledge Base articles reflect the most recent GRESB guidance at all times.
For authoritative and up-to-date information, always refer to the official GRESB documentation:
- GRESB Real Estate Standard and Reference Guide
- GRESB Real Estate Scoring Document