MERLIN Properties Annual Report 2022

98 | Annual report | 2022 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 Group’s part and also where it has more options for having its results independently validated. This is why MERLIN has its portfolio certified under LEED, BREAM, ISO, AEO, AIS and WELL. MERLIN takes on the 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 practically all of its main portfolios (offices, logistics assets and shopping centres) under the market’s benchmark sustainable construction standards: LEED and BREEAM. In new construction and refurbishment projects, MERLIN prioritises 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 Group in 2016, at the 2022 year-end, 93.6% of MERLIN’s strategic portfolio in terms of GAV was certified under one of the two international benchmark standards for sustainable construction: LEED and BREEAM. MERLIN is thus positioned as a REIT of reference in this area, having nearly achieved the goal of certifying 99% of offices, 100% of shopping centres and 97% of logistics assets in terms of GAV. MERLIN obtained or renewed a total of 34 LEED or BREEAM certifications in 2022. With the addition of these certifications, the current status of the portfolio in terms of sustainable construction certifications is as follows: LEED/BREEAM CERTIFICATIONS 34% Very Good 49% Good BREEAM Certifications 13% Correct 4% Excelent 14% Silver 10% Platinum 76% Gold LEED Certifications