Data Collection and GRESB Reporting for a European Asset Manager

Overview

A European real estate asset manager engaged Lawton’s Sustainability to deliver full-cycle support for two GRESB submissions, covering the Management, Development and Performance components across two funds. The objective was to strengthen data quality, streamline reporting processes and maximise scoring potential through credible, evidence-based responses.

GRESB provides a globally recognised benchmark for ESG performance in real estate and infrastructure. High-quality submissions require robust data foundations, clear documentation and careful alignment with GRESB’s scoring methodology. This project focused on building those foundations with integrity and precision.

Scope of work

1. 1

   Comprehensive Data Collection and Validation

   • Coordinated data collection across 60+ assets spanning multiple countries and property types.
   • Liaised directly with property managers to resolve gaps, inconsistencies and anomalies.
   • Conducted detailed data scrutiny to ensure accuracy, completeness and audit-readiness.
   • Identified structural issues in existing data flows and provided recommendations to strengthen future collection processes.
2. 2

   Full-Cycle GRESB Submission Support

   • Supported the completion of all qualitative components, ensuring responses were clear, defensible and aligned with GRESB scoring criteria.
   • Ensured evidence was appropriate, verifiable and positioned to achieve maximum points.
   • Provided ongoing guidance throughout the submission period, including interpretation of GRESB requirements and best-practice approaches.
3. 3

   Assurance and Data Integrity

   • Worked closely with a third-party assurance provider to ensure the verification process was smooth, efficient and supported by high-quality data.
   • Prepared datasets and documentation to facilitate assurance activities, reducing risk and improving confidence in reported figures.
4. 4

   Strategic Recommendations and Optimisation

   • Delivered recommendations throughout the submission cycle, including early-stage optimisations based on preliminary scoring insights.
   • Produced a final optimisation report following GRESB results, outlining targeted actions to improve future performance and strengthen fund-level impact.
   • Highlighted opportunities to enhance governance, data processes and asset-level performance indicators.
5. 5

   Data Platform Onboarding

   • Supported the onboarding of a new data management platform, leveraging deep knowledge of the client’s assets and data structures.
   • Ensured the platform was configured to improve long-term data integrity, streamline reporting and reduce manual workload.

Outcome

Through rigorous data scrutiny, structured reporting processes and clear strategic guidance, the client submitted two high-quality GRESB assessments supported by reliable evidence and improved data foundations.

Both funds obtained 5 stars, representing the top quintile of funds across the GRESB universe for developments and standing investments respectively.

The project strengthened internal confidence in ESG reporting, enhanced investor-facing disclosures and positioned the funds for continued improvement in future GRESB cycles.