RA4: Water Efficiency Measures – Above Green

Intent

This indicator intends to review the steps taken by the entity 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.

This indicator is tracked at the asset level and is meant to evaluate the ongoing activity in the portfolio. For this reason, participants are required to report the activity over the last 3 years. The efficiency measure categories allow the reporting of a variety of measures on a TRUE/FALSE basis. While efficiency measures implemented more than three years ago are still relevant, their effect is be reflected in the consumption data reported in the Energy, GHG, Water, Waste Aspects.

Requirements

Water efficiency measures implemented in the last three years

The indicator below is automatically populated by GRESB based on information provided through the reporting entity’s GRESB Asset Portal. Participants can access the Asset Portal via the Assessment Portal menu, section ASSETS.

In 2020, participants are required to report their water efficiency measures at the asset-level through the completion of the GRESB Asset Spreadsheet. Note that all fields in RA4 will be automatically populated once the GRESB Asset Spreadsheet is completed and uploaded to the Asset Portal. Efficiency measures implemented in the last three years should be reported, regardless of the period of ownership and/or operational control.

It is recommended to:

Prepare and upload your GRESB Asset Spreadsheet into your Assessment;
Review all fields in RA4 to ensure they are accurate and complete.

Validation

This indicator is subject to automatic validation.

See Appendix 2a for additional information about GRESB Validation.

Scoring

1 point, E

Scoring is based on the number of efficiency measures reported.

See the Scoring Document for additional information on scoring.

Terminology

Cooling tower water management: 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.

Dry fixtures: Fixtures that do not require the use of water, such as composting toilet systems and waterless urinals.

Grey water: Wastewater generated from hand basins, showers and other water-using devices and equipment.

High-efficiency fixtures: Appliances and plumbing equipment that conserve water without compromising performance (also known as “ultra-low-flow” fixtures).

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.

Measure: The actual project or activity undertaken/implemented to improve energy efficiency as part of the selected category.

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 wastewater 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.

Stormwater: Water that collects during precipitation, which can be stored on-site for eventual reuse for non-potable applications. Examples of applications for reuse can include, but are not limited to: landscape irrigation and/or flush fixtures.

References

LEED BD+C: Core and Shell; and LEED O+M: Existing Buildings, v4, Water Efficiency, Indoor water use reduction

EPRA Best Practices Recommendations on Sustainability Reporting, 3rd version, September 2017: 7.9, Narrative on performance

SASB-Real Estate Owners, Developers & Investment Trusts (March 2016): IF0402-09

Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures June 2017: Strategy A&B