Efficiency measures – Scaler

Energy

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.

Efficiency measures can be implemented specifically on an asset-basis or can be done on several assets as a portfolio-wide strategy.

GRESB

RA3 in 2023, 2022

This indicator is worth a maximum 1.5 points. Each individual efficiency measure performed is worth 0.25 points, regardless of how many assets on which it was performed or what percentage of GFA is covered. There is no multiplier for GFA covered.

Energy efficiency measure	Descriptions courtesy of 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

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.

Efficiency measures can be implemented specifically on an asset-basis or can be done on several assets as a portfolio-wide strategy.

GRESB

RA4 in 2023, 2022

This indicator is worth a maximum 1 point. Each individual efficiency measure performed is worth 0.25 points, regardless of how many assets on which it was performed or what percentage of GFA is covered. There is no multiplier for GFA covered.

Water efficiency measure	Descriptions courtesy of 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

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.

Efficiency measures can be implemented specifically on an asset-basis or can be done on several assets as a portfolio-wide strategy.

GRESB

RA5 in 2023, 2022

Waste efficiency measures	Descriptions courtesy of 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.