MERLIN Properties Annual Report 2021

70 | Annual Report | 2021 VALIDATION OF MERLIN’S COMMITMENTS BY INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTIES As stated in the Sustainability Policy, one of the most important steps MERLIN takes to support the robustness and practical implementation of the assumed commitments is to have them validated by independent third parties. This is particularly relevant in the operation of the assets, as they are the ones that require a great deal of effort on the Company’s part and also where it has more options for having its results independently validated. LEED/BREEAM certifications MERLIN assumes as its own responsibility of leading the development and operation of sustainable assets with the highest standards of quality and excellence. One component of that leadership is seeking to certify all of assets under operational control in its main portfolios (offices, logistics assets and shopping centers) under the market’s benchmark sustainable construction standards: LEED and BREEAM. In new construction and refurbishment projects, MERLIN prioritizes LEED certification in the Building Design and Construction category. For assets in operation, MERLIN aims to obtain the highest possible rating within the BREEAM in Use and LEED Building Operations & Maintenance standards, which requires a commitment from both MERLIN and the tenants. As part of the certification plan introduced by the Company in 2016, at the 2021 year- end, 91.3% of MERLIN’s strategic portfolio in GAV terms was certified under one of the two international benchmark standards for sustainable construction: LEED and BREEAM. 91% 97% 85% 8% 3% 12% Offices Shopping centres Logistic assets 99% 100% 97% Certified In process