Biodiversity and sustainable real estate news
Since revision 5.0 of the NF Habitat HQE standard, biodiversity has officially been included in the scope of environmental building quality. This development reflects a fundamental shift: integrating nature into architectural design and site management. However, confusion persists. Some equate the HQE Biodiversity Profile with a genuine ecological certification, or even with an equivalent to Effinature. While the two approaches share a common vocabulary and similar indicators, they do not have the same status, scope, or function within the environmental value chain.
An internal awareness campaign in the face of independent ecological certification
Since the introduction of the HQE Biodiversity Profile in version 5.0 of the NF Habitat HQE standard, the question has frequently arisen: does HQE now integrate biodiversity at the same level as Effinature? The answer is simple: no, not yet. While the HQE profile has the merit of incorporating living organisms into building design, it remains an awareness-raising tool integrated into the HQE system, whereas Effinature is an ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification based on ecological evidence, measurement, and independent auditing.
1. A thematic profile integrated into the NF HABITAT HQE certification
The HQE Biodiversity Profile is not a standalone certification, but an optional profile linked to the NF Habitat HQE certification. It is part of the Environmental Responsibility pillar and aims to recognize the efforts of project owners in considering living organisms. The assessment is based on:
- an ecological documentary assessment of the site
- a landscape and ecological management plan,
- and four Effinature indicators: the IVE (Ecological Value Index), the IVS (Site Enhancement Index), the CBS (Biotope Coefficient per Surface) and the ITCE (Ecological Coherence Indicator Index).
These indicators, inspired by the Effinature method, allow for a simplified assessment of the site's ecological potential. They are self-reported and integrated into the HQE framework, without requiring a specific ecological audit or independent verification.
The HQE Biodiversity profile can thus reach four levels, from “Good Practices” to “Exceptional Performance,” depending on the degree of integration of living organisms into the project. However, this assessment remains indicative and internal to the HQE framework: it does not generate a separate certificate or regulatory recognition.
2. Effinature: certification of actual ecological performance
Created in 2009, Effinature is an independent third-party certification, issued by IRICE, an organization accredited according to the ISO/IEC 17065 standard in the field of biodiversity and ecological performance. Effinature assesses the actual functioning of the project's living system, based on 115 criteria grouped into six fundamental themes:
- Preservation of living soil
- Development of plant heritage,
- Support for local wildlife,
- Reduction of the project's impacts,
- User well-being,
- Skills development.
Each project undergoes three audits – design, implementation, and operation – ensuring scientific traceability and long-term ecological consistency. Effinature does not measure the goodwill of the project proponent, but rather the verifiable ecological performance of their operation.
3. Common indicators, but very different methods
A technical agreement exists between CERQUAL and IRICE, authorizing the use of certain Effinature indicators within the framework of the HQE Biodiversity Profile. This convergence demonstrates a shared commitment to harmonizing practices and raising the level of ecological maturity in the sector.
But the scope is not comparable:
- HQE uses 4 simplified indicators (IVE, ITCE, IVS and CBS),
- Effinature uses 115 comprehensive indicators, covering functional biodiversity, living soils, water management, vegetation, light pollution, local fauna, ecological dynamics and site governance.
In other words, HQE raises awareness of biodiversity, while Effinature measures, verifies, and certifies it. The shared indicators illustrate a methodological link, but not an equivalence of scope.
4. Awareness and certification: two complementary approaches
The HQE Biodiversity Profile plays a crucial educational and initiating role. It encourages design teams to ask the right questions: preliminary assessment, ecological corridors, plant palette, differentiated management. It is a valuable starting point that fosters the evolution of practices.
Effinature is a logical continuation of this approach: it provides scientific verification, methodological consistency, and institutional recognition. In other words:
- HQE paves the way for taking living things into account
- Effinature certifies that this consideration is real, measured and sustainable.
The two approaches are therefore not opposed: they form two levels of ecological maturity, from declarative to certified.
5. In conclusion
No, the HQE Biodiversity Profile cannot be equated with Effinature certification. One involves raising awareness integrated into the HQE building system, the other is an independent and accredited ecological certification. But together, they structure a clear path for the sector:
- HQE helps to design better
- Effinature proves that the project actually has an effect on living things.
It is this complementarity – between the HQE building culture and the ecological science of Effinature – that defines the sustainability of tomorrow: a sustainability that is both built and living.