Purpose
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 efficiency
- Water efficiency
- 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.
Navigation path:
Data Collection Portal → Portfolio → Asset list → edit asset → Assessments & Measures → Building measures
Within this section, you will see three distinct tables.
Each table shows, at a glance:
- The
Latest year conducted
- The
Updated ontimestamp
Comment
- If evidence has been attached
When you open an assessment to edit it, you can also view its history, allowing you to track assessments conducted across multiple years, and add a more detailed Description of the measure.
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 (or projects) undertaken to reduce the portfolio’s energy consumption. Usually, the implementation of these measures is the result of technical building assessments which are focused on investigating the energy use and requirements of the building based on its characteristics and installed equipment.
The intent of efficiency measures is to improve environmental performance within a portfolio, focusing on opportunities to increase the energy efficiency of assets.
Expand
Energy efficiency measure | Definitions from the 2023 GRESB Real Estate Reference Guide |
Automatic meter readings (AMR) | Meter readings taken automatically at predefined frequencies by building management systems or smart metering systems. |
Automation system upgrades / replacements | Refers to the computer-based centralized system installed in buildings that controls and monitors equipment such as ventilation, air conditioning, heating, lighting, alarms and communications.
Upgrades and replacements refers to the process of ensuring the building automation system is operating at full capacity, as to achieve optimal management of systems and increase energy efficiency. |
Management systems upgrades / replacements | Computer‐based automated systems that monitor and control all energy‐related systems, including all mechanical and electrical equipment in buildings. |
Installation of high-efficiency equipment and appliances | Specification and purchase of electrical equipment and appliances that minimize the building‘s energy needs. This includes, but it is not limited to: energy efficient lighting upgrades/replacements and HVAC system upgrades/replacements. |
Installation of on-site renewable energy | Renewable energy produced on-site, to meet some or all of the building’s energy requirements. |
Occupier engagement / informational technologies | Communication and information technologies implemented to inform and engage with tenants in regards to their energy use. |
Smart grid / smart building technologies | Computer-based control and automation of electricity network systems, to support and manage electricity demand in a sustainable, integrated manner. |
Systems commissioning or retro-commissioning | The process of ensuring that systems are designed, installed, and functionally tested, and that they are capable of being operated and maintained to perform optimally. |
Wall / roof insulations | N/A |
Window replacements | N/A |
Water efficiency measures
Measures (or projects) undertaken to reduce water consumption across the portfolio. Along with energy performance, water consumption is a key indicator of environmental sustainability performance in real estate portfolios.
The intent of water efficiency measures is to improve the portfolio's sustainability by identifying and seizing opportunities to optimize water usage across its assets.
Expand
Water efficiency measure | Definitions from the 2023 GRESB Real Estate Reference Guide |
Cooling tower | A cooling tower is a heat rejection device which extracts waste heat to the atmosphere through the cooling of a water stream to a lower temperature.
Reduction of potable water consumption for cooling towers (or evaporative condenser equipment) can be achieved through effective water management, including conducting a water analysis to measure the concentration of at least five control parameters in order to optimize the cooling tower cycles and/or use of non-potable makeup water for a minimum of 20% of the makeup water. |
Drip / smart irrigation | Drip irrigation systems save water by irrigating, fertilizing and aerating trees, shrubs, plants and bushes directly at the roots. Smart irrigation systems save water by adjusting the watering schedule and amount of water used for irrigation based on a variety of factors and inputs, including weather, plant species and soil type. |
Drought tolerant / native landscaping | Adapted or indigenous vegetation that has evolved to the geography, hydrology and climate of a region requiring minimal or no supplemental watering beyond natural rainfall. |
High efficiency / dry fixtures | Appliances and plumbing equipment that conserve water without compromising performance (also known as “ultra-low-flow” fixtures) / Fixtures that do not require the use of water, such as composting toilet systems and waterless urinals. |
Leak detection system | Systems that detect water leaks. Examples can include, but are not limited to: condensate water overflow, chiller water leaks, plumbing line cracks, heating/cooling piping leaks and outside seepage. |
Metering of water subsystems | Installing sub-meters to measure the water consumption of applicable subsystems, such as irrigation, indoor plumbing fixtures, domestic hot water, reclaimed water or other process water uses, which supports effective water management and identifying opportunities for additional water savings. |
On-site waste water treatment | Process of water decontamination as a consequence of any anthropogenic, industrial or commercial use, before the water is released again into the environment or is re-used. |
Reuse of storm water and/or grey water | Water that collects during precipitation, which can be stored on-site for eventual reuse for non-potable applications. Examples can include, but are not limited to: landscape irrigation and/or flush fixtures. |
Waste efficiency measures
Measures (or projects) undertaken to reduce its waste production/generation, and to obtain optimized disposal methods. Along with energy performance and water consumption, waste management is a key indicator of environmental sustainability performance across real estate portfolios.
The intent of waste efficiency measures is to reduce the portfolio's environmental footprint by curbing waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Expand
Waste efficiency measures | Definitions from the 2023 GRESB Real Estate Reference Guide |
Technical building assessment
- Waste | 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 | Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic material which produces useful soil amendment products. Engage in landscape and/or food waste composting either on-site or by contracting with a composting service provider. |
Ongoing waste performance monitoring | Track and measure ongoing waste volumes generated on a minimum quarterly basis, by either weight or volume, to help identify diversion and recycling opportunities within the organization. Conduct a minimum annual review to evaluate performance. |
Recycling | A program for materials that can be locally recycled and contracted with a recycling service provider. Provide appropriately sized recycling collection and storage areas within the entity’s real estate holdings to enable occupants to sort, collect and divert materials from landfill. |
Waste management | Hazardous and non-hazardous waste including reuse, recycling, composting, recovery, incineration, landfill, and on-site storage. |
Waste stream audit | A formal process used to quantify the type and amount of waste being generated, by weight or volume, to help identify effective waste reduction, separation 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 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 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.
Navigation path:
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
Within the tables:
- Blue banners explain how each 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 2025 Real Estate Standard and Reference Guide
- GRESB 2025 Real Estate Scoring Document