Oct 17, 2024 | 2 min read

Simplifying ESG Reporting with Scaler

Luc van de Boom

Leveraging the INREV ESG SDDS

Efficient ESG reporting is becoming an increasingly critical aspect of real estate investment, and industry associations like INREV have established guidelines to standardize the process. The INREV ESG Standard Data Delivery Sheet (SDDS) provides a structured template in which managers can collect and report on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) key performance indicators (KPIs) at both the asset and vehicle levels. However, managing this data across diverse portfolios can be time-consuming and complex. That’s where Scaler and its features within the platform steps in to make the process efficient, transparent, and scalable.

The opportunity of the INREV ESG SDDS template

The INREV ESG reporting template is designed to streamline the exchange of ESG data by offering a consistent format for real estate investment vehicles. It covers both required and recommended KPIs for ESG performance, referencing key regulatory requirements like the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). With its flexibility, the template accommodates direct data inputs at both asset and vehicle levels, as well as links to external benchmarks such as GRESB.

However, the very flexibility that makes the INREV SDDS so adaptable also creates challenges. Reporting can rely on a multitude of data sources, requiring coordination across service providers, tenant data collection, and often manual input, increasing the workload for asset managers and their teams. Timing of reporting can vary, making it essential to have systems that allow for both ad hoc and periodic data collection.

How Scaler makes INREV ESG Reporting easier

Scaler simplifies the entire ESG reporting process, ensuring data consistency and ease of auditing through five key data collection mechanisms:

  1. Automatic API connections Scaler seamlessly integrates with external systems, enabling automatic data collection from various sources. This reduces the need for manual intervention and ensures that data is constantly updated, improving both accuracy and efficiency.

  2. Bulk upload template For large datasets, Scaler offers a bulk upload template that allows users to quickly import large volumes of ESG data into the platform. This method is ideal for asset managers dealing with multiple properties, saving significant time on data entry.

  3. Survey Tool for manual requests For cases where specific data needs to be manually requested from third parties, Scaler provides a customizable survey tool. This tool simplifies the process of gathering tenant or partner data, ensuring it fits neatly into the broader reporting framework.

  4. Manual data input Not all data can be collected automatically. For those instances, Scaler offers an intuitive interface for manual data entry. This ensures that even the most granular data can be captured and aligned with the INREV ESG SDDS.

  5. GRESB Asset Level Spreadsheet converter For clients who are already using GRESB’s asset-level reporting format, Scaler provides a converter that can easily transition GRESB data into the INREV format. This feature is especially useful for those looking to meet both GRESB and INREV reporting requirements without duplicating efforts.

Full traceability for easy audits

One of the standout features of Scaler is its ability to maintain full traceability of all ESG data. Every data point is tracked from its source to its inclusion in the report, ensuring that audits are no longer resource-draining exercises. With this level of transparency, compliance teams can quickly verify data integrity and respond to investor queries or regulatory reviews. Meeting INREV ESG SDDS Requirements with confidence

Scaler’s platform not only simplifies data collection but also ensures that the required vehicle-level KPIs are easily calculated based on the asset-level data. Whether it’s aligning with SFDR regulations, incorporating GRESB data, or responding to investor-specific ESG requirements, Scaler is built to meet the dynamic needs of the real estate industry.

The complexities of ESG reporting are ever-evolving, but Scaler ensures that businesses can stay ahead of the curve. With full integration capabilities, flexible data collection tools, and a focus on transparency, Scaler makes reporting according to the INREV ESG SDDS more accessible and less burdensome for real estate professionals.

Beyond INREV ESG SDDS: Comprehensive Reporting with Scaler

In addition to streamlining the INREV ESG SDDS reporting process, Scaler goes further by supporting a wide range of essential ESG and regulatory reporting frameworks. Our platform is equipped to generate detailed reports such as the GRI Annual Report, PCAF (Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials), SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting), SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board), and both Management and Performance reports for GRESB. We also cover critical regulatory statements like the SFDR Principal Adverse Impacts (PAI) Statement, EU Taxonomy alignment for adaptation and mitigation efforts, and the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) at the real estate level. By offering comprehensive solutions for these various reporting requirements, Scaler ensures that your organization remains compliant with global ESG standards and is fully equipped to meet diverse investor and regulatory demands.