Rest assured: Why third-party data verification is now so important for real estate
As the perceived importance of sustainability grows, investors are increasingly exposed to sustainability figures and narratives. Data on sustainability is submitted under a variety of benchmarks, standards and regulations. This widely affects finance, reporting and decision making, so it’s essential that it’s accurate. That's why businesses are turning to assurance.
Assurance is an external, independent review of an organisation’s data to make it more robust and trustworthy. On this page you’ll find a variety of resources on assurance, from articles to webinars. You’ll also find a list of the ways we can help if you’re seeking verification.
Give me comfort: Introduction to the assurance of ESG data
Around the world, both ESG disclosure and assurance are experiencing a moment of massive expansion. A variety of sustainability benchmarks, standards, and regulations reward third-party assurance of data. For instance, the GRI requires organisations reporting in line with its standards to state whether their disclosures have been assured. GRESB awards points for obtaining a third-party review of the disclosed data in several parts of its assessments. So does the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).
Read this introductory article to find out more about why so many businesses are seeking third-party verification or assurance on at least some of their reporting.
Give me comfort: The importance of sustainability expertise in sustainability reporting and assurance
To build the confidence of investors, more companies are obtaining some level of assurance. GHG disclosures are a good example. GHG accounting is arguably one of the most developed areas of sustainability reporting. Compared to social value, nature risk or biodiversity, GHG disclosures are more widespread. They tend to be reasonably similar, follow more established processes for collecting data and conducting calculations, and have greater availability of data.
In this article, Verco experts delve into GHG reporting and why it’s crucial for the assurers you choose to be sustainability experts with in-depth knowledge of the field and its latest developments. Sector specialists have a keen understanding of real estate assets, data sources, the intricacies of scope division and associated challenges. This niche knowledge leads to experience-backed advice and wise decision-making, and its why many clients choose consultancies like Verco.
Asset Owners & Managers: How trustworthy is your sustainability data?
The number of US companies assuring ESG has nearly doubled in three years and the need for assurance is on the rise around the world. However, sustainability data tends to be more difficult to assure than financial data. That’s why expertise in net zero, carbon accounting and broader sustainability is needed – to make sure you keep your data trustworthy and manage the costs most efficiently. Read this article to find out how we can help.
Webinar: Sustainability assurance for maximum benefit
In this webinar recording, three Verco experts discuss the complexities of applying assurance concepts to sustainability information, including impact data, strategies and targets.
Sustainability assurance summary
This handy download summarises a selection of benchmarks, standards and regulations that reward the assurance of sustainability data and are relevant to real estate. It explains the type of assurance requested by each and whether it’s optional or obligatory.
GHG Verification Support Service
This methodical and transparent service for climate-related disclosure identifies areas for improvement and provides assurance of GHG emissions data. The data can then be confidently used in submissions to legislation, standards, benchmarking schemes, green loans and remuneration packages.
Sustainability Assurance and Verification Services
As part of this service, we provide a clear, robust, methodical and transparent assessment. This will help you to provide your stakeholders with confidence in your sustainability data and disclosures. It will also identify areas for improvement.
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