Indicates whether the organization implements an energy conservation strategy to reduce its operational energy usage.
Organizations should footnote the details of the strategy, including how it is being implemented, how usage is recorded, and specific reduction targets. See usage guidance for further information.
This metric is intended to capture detailed information on the energy conservation strategy in place but does not evaluate the success with which the strategy is implemented.
Energy conservation refers to efforts made to reduce the amount of energy needed to execute current processes or tasks. Organizations should not include an overall reduction in energy consumption from reduced organizational activities (e.g., partial outsourcing of production).
Details of energy conservation efforts to footnote include organizational or technological innovations that allow a defined process or task to consume energy more efficiently. These may include Building Area of Energy Efficiency Improvements (PI1586), conversion to renewable energy sources, or the elimination of unnecessary energy use due to changes in behavior. Further examples of energy efficiency efforts, sourced from GRESB, include: automatic meter readings (AMR), automation system upgrades/replacements, management systems upgrades/replacements, installation of high-efficiency equipment and appliances, installation of on-site renewable energy, occupier engagement/informational technologies, smart grid/smart building technologies, systems commissioning or retro-commissioning, wall/roof insulation, and window replacements.
The reduction in the organization's energy usage may not necessarily correlate with a reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions; organizations are encouraged to report separately their Greenhouse Gas Emissions Strategy (OI8237), where applicable.
Organizations are encouraged to report the amount of energy conserved using Energy Conserved (OI6697), as well as Energy Purchased: Total (OI8825) and its two categories, Energy Purchased: Non-Renewable (OI1496) and Energy Purchased: Renewable (OI3324).
Metrics identified as "cross-category" are those that are relevant to any IRIS+ Impact Category or Impact Theme (i.e., these metrics are not specific to any particular industry/category or theme).
June 2022 - IRIS v5.3 Released (current version)
Immaterial change. Minor revision to usage guidance for clarity.
May 2021 - IRIS v5.2 Released
Immaterial change. Minor revision to Usage Guidance for clarity.
January 2020 - IRIS v5.1 Released
No change.
May 2019 - IRIS v5.0 Released
No change.
March 2016 - IRIS v4.0 Released
New metric. Energy Conservation Strategy (OI4531) was developed via the IRIS Taxonomy Group.
IRIS Metrics Work Better in Sets
To use IRIS metrics—and the resulting data—to understand impact performance, IRIS metrics should be used and analyzed in generally accepted sets and according to well-defined objectives. IRIS+ gives you access to generally accepted Core Metrics Sets aligned to common Impact Themes and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).