The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) has introduced a new biodiversity question in its 2025 Real Estate Assessment. This marks the first time biodiversity and nature are formally included in the ESG reporting process for real estate assets.
As of June 10, 2025, participants are being asked if they have a biodiversity or nature-related strategy in place. The question also asks how this strategy considers environmental dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities.
This article outlines what GRESB is, what the new biodiversity question involves, and how to begin preparing a response using practical tools, action plans, and strategy development frameworks.
Why the GRESB real estate assessment matters for the built environment
GRESB stands for Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark. It’s how the real estate sector measures and compares its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.
Think of GRESB as a report card for how sustainable your built environment is. Each year, property companies submit data about their sustainability practices, and GRESB scores them against their peers.
Why does this matter? Investors use these scores to decide where to put their money. A good GRESB score can open doors to new funding and partnerships.
More than 2,000 real estate companies now participate in GRESB. Together, they manage over $6.9 trillion in assets. That’s a lot of buildings!
What changed for biodiversity in GRESB 2025
For the first time ever, GRESB is asking about biodiversity. The new question is simple but significant: “Does your entity have a formal biodiversity strategy that addresses nature-related risks and opportunities across your real estate portfolio? Please describe.”
If you answer “Yes,” you’ll need to explain your strategy. This explanation should cover:
- How your buildings affect local plants and animals
- How your properties depend on healthy ecosystems
- What risks you face if biodiversity declines
- What opportunities exist to improve biodiversity
Good news: this question isn’t scored in 2025. It’s what GRESB calls an “exploratory indicator.” They’re testing the waters before making it count toward your overall score.
But don’t get too comfortable! GRESB often introduces questions this way before making them mandatory and scored in future years. Getting ahead of the curve now can save headaches later.
The biodiversity question aligns with other frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). This shows a broader trend toward GRESB standards that focus on biodiversity and nature performance.
What’s new for GRESB in 2026
While the 2025 biodiversity question remains unscored, property managers should view it as preparation for more rigorous future requirements. The 2026 GRESB standard updates continue the trajectory toward performance-based scoring, with indicator weight adjustments that prioritize measured outcomes over policy documentation.
Properties that establish comprehensive biodiversity monitoring systems and tangible nature-based initiatives today will have significant advantages when GRESB introduces scored biodiversity criteria in upcoming assessment cycles. Building this foundation now demonstrates environmental leadership while positioning portfolios to capture scoring opportunities as the framework evolves.
Why biodiversity and nature-related risks matter in real estate portfolios
As Hakeem Oguniran, CEO of Eximia Realty Limited, puts it: “We can’t afford to ignore the environment any longer. Capital is no longer flowing based on risk and return. Today, investors are scrutinizing ESG scores, demanding sustainable building practices, and rewarding projects that protect ecosystems.”
Biodiversity isn’t just about saving cute animals. For real estate, it’s about managing risks and creating value. Nature related issues are becoming significant business considerations across all industries, including real estate.
When the plants, animals, and microorganisms around your buildings are healthy and diverse, they provide valuable services. They clean air, manage water, regulate energy usage, and make spaces more appealing.
Properties with strong biodiversity features tend to attract and keep tenants better. People simply prefer being around nature, it’s hardwired into us. Studies show that access to green spaces improves tenant satisfaction and can even command higher rents.
Climate change and habitat loss are making biodiversity a business issue. As regulations tighten, properties that harm local ecosystems may face new costs or restrictions.
What happens when biodiversity is…
| Strong | Weak | |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant satisfaction | Higher | Lower |
| Property resilience | More resilient to climate events | More vulnerable |
| Regulatory compliance | Ahead of requirements | Playing catch-up |
| Market appeal | Competitive advantage | Potential liability |
| Operating costs | Often lower long-term | Often higher long-term |
The bottom line? Biodiversity isn’t just nice to have: it’s becoming essential for competitive real estate portfolios.
Practical tools to build a nature-related strategy for your properties
1. Map your property’s relationship with nature
Climate and infrastructure specialist Sunny Chukwu emphasizes the need for comprehensive action: “It’s not enough to file an Environmental Impact Assessment. We need to actively reduce harm, reuse materials, manage construction waste, protect surrounding ecosystems, and offset emissions through credible carbon schemes.”
Start by understanding how your buildings interact with natural resources. This doesn’t have to be complicated.
Walk your properties and note the green spaces, wildlife, and natural features. Are there trees? Grassy areas? Water features? What animals do you see?
Next, think about how your buildings depend on nature. Do trees provide shade that reduces cooling costs? Does local vegetation help manage stormwater?
Finally, identify potential risks. Is the property in a flood zone? Would loss of tree cover increase cooling costs? Could pollinator decline affect landscaping?
For a more comprehensive assessment, Alvéole’s Nature Strategy Builder at https://nature.alveole.com/ can help guide you through this mapping process systematically. The tool walks you through identifying your properties’ ecological context, dependencies, and opportunities for biodiversity enhancement.
This initial assessment creates a baseline for your biodiversity strategy.
2. Use the LEAP approach from TNFD
The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) created a simple framework called LEAP. For detailed guidance on implementing this framework, see the TNFD’s official guidance document:
- Locate: Identify where your properties interact with nature
- Evaluate: Assess your dependencies and impacts
- Assess: Analyze risks and opportunities
- Prepare: Develop a response strategy
This approach helps organize your thinking and aligns with what GRESB and investors are looking for. For a detailed guide on how to apply TNFD frameworks specifically for GRESB reporting, check out our comprehensive article on leveraging TFND frameworks.
For example, you might locate a property near a wetland, evaluate how it filters stormwater, assess the risk of flooding if the wetland is damaged, and prepare a plan to protect or enhance it.
3. Set simple, measurable goals
Good biodiversity strategies include clear targets. Here are examples that work well for real estate:
- Increase native plant species on properties by 25% within three years
- Install pollinator gardens at 50% of properties by 2027
- Reduce pesticide use across the portfolio by 40% by 2026
- Conduct biodiversity assessments at all properties by 2025
Track progress with straightforward metrics like:
- Square footage of native habitat
- Number of pollinator-friendly plant species
- Percentage reduction in chemical inputs
- Presence of indicator species (like butterflies or birds)
4. Create a formal document
For GRESB reporting, you’ll need a written strategy. Keep it simple but comprehensive:
- Executive summary explaining why biodiversity matters to your company
- Assessment of current biodiversity status across properties
- Clear goals and metrics as outlined above
- Timeline for implementation
- Roles and responsibilities
- Budget and resources
- Monitoring and reporting plan
This document becomes evidence for your “Yes” answer to the GRESB biodiversity question and ensures all stakeholders have a clear understanding of your approach.
Implementation examples with nature-based solutions
Urban beekeeping
Honeybees are amazing biodiversity boosters. A single hive can pollinate plants within a 3-mile radius, helping local ecosystems thrive. Research shows that urban pollinators play crucial roles in supporting biodiversity.
Installing beehives on building rooftops is surprisingly simple. Companies like Alvéole manage the entire process, from installation to maintenance and honey harvesting.
The bees collect environmental DNA (eDNA) as they forage, creating a biological record of plant diversity in the surrounding area. This data helps track biodiversity changes over time.
Beehives also create engagement opportunities. Tenants can participate in hive checks, honey tastings, and educational workshops about pollinators and biodiversity.
Native pollinator gardens
Not all buildings have room for beehives, but most have space for pollinator-friendly plants.
Converting even small areas from turf grass to native flowering plants can dramatically increase biodiversity. Native plants require less water and maintenance while supporting local wildlife.
Good spots for pollinator gardens include underused lawn areas, building entrances, courtyards, rooftop spaces, and parking lot islands. These areas are often overlooked but can be transformed into valuable biodiversity hubs with minimal disruption to building operations.
The key is using plants native to your region. These plants evolved with local pollinators and provide the specific food and habitat they need.
Green roofs and living walls
For buildings with limited ground space, the solution might be going up, literally.
Green roofs transform unused roof space into living ecosystems. They range from simple sedum mats to complex gardens with trees and shrubs.
Living walls bring nature to vertical surfaces, turning bland walls into vibrant, living tapestries that support biodiversity.
Both options provide multiple benefits that are documented in global building performance studies:
- Habitat for birds, insects, and plants
- Better stormwater management
- Reduced urban heat island effect
- Improved building insulation
- Enhanced aesthetic appeal
Looking beyond 2025
The new biodiversity question in GRESB 2025 is just the beginning. Here’s what’s likely coming:
Biodiversity reporting is following the same path as carbon emissions reporting. What started as optional is becoming expected, then required, and finally regulated.
Future GRESB assessments will probably include scored biodiversity questions. The current exploratory question gives you time to prepare before it affects your score.
Other frameworks are moving in the same direction. The TNFD recommendations are gaining traction, and biodiversity is becoming part of regulatory requirements in some regions.
Early adopters of biodiversity strategies will have an advantage. They’ll be better prepared for future requirements and positioned as responsible sustainability leaders.
The good news? Starting now means you can take a measured, strategic approach rather than scrambling to comply at the last minute.
Ready to boost your biodiversity efforts?
GRESB’s new biodiversity question signals an important shift in real estate sustainability. While it’s not scored in 2025, it’s clearly the direction the industry is heading.
Starting with simple steps can make a big difference. Conduct basic biodiversity assessments, set achievable goals, and implement visible nature-based solutions like beekeeping or native gardens.
Document your approach in a formal strategy that answers the GRESB question directly. Focus on how your properties interact with nature and what you’re doing to enhance biodiversity.
Remember that biodiversity isn’t just about checking a box for GRESB, it’s about creating more resilient, valuable properties that people want to work in, shop at, and live around.
Alvéole offers turnkey beekeeping programs that help real estate sector companies meet biodiversity goals while engaging tenants and collecting valuable environmental data.
Explore options or act now: respond to the GRESB shift with confidence.
Alvéole offers turnkey beekeeping programs that help real estate companies meet biodiversity goals while engaging tenants and collecting valuable environmental data.
Book a consultation with Alvéole to learn how urban beekeeping can support your GRESB biodiversity strategy.
FAQs about GRESB biodiversity reporting
How detailed does my biodiversity strategy need to be for GRESB 2025?
Since the question is exploratory in 2025, a basic strategy that outlines your approach to biodiversity is sufficient, but including assessment methods, goals, and implementation examples will position you better for future years when the question may be scored.
Can existing green initiatives count toward my biodiversity strategy?
Yes, existing initiatives like green roofs, native landscaping, or pollinator habitats can be included in your biodiversity strategy if you document how they specifically support local ecosystems and biodiversity goals.
How is biodiversity performance measured for real estate?
Biodiversity performance can be measured through metrics like habitat area created, number of native plant species installed, presence of indicator species (like birds or butterflies), or reduction in harmful practices like pesticide use.
Will the biodiversity question become scored in future GRESB assessments?
While GRESB hasn’t officially announced future scoring plans, the pattern with previous exploratory questions suggests that biodiversity reporting will likely become scored in future assessment cycles as the industry develops more standardized metrics.
