Green city, urban biodiversity and certification: towards a demanding convergence

Understanding what the Tree-City method actually covers, what it leaves out, and how Effinature certification can guarantee its ecological grounding.

Introduction

The Tree-City method, linked to the Low-Carbon Label, offers a framework for evaluating tree planting in urban areas. This system, supported by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, primarily aims to quantify and certify the carbon sequestration generated by the development of vegetation cover.

But planting a single tree is not enough to restore an ecosystem. While the Tree-Lined City method recognizes certain environmental co-benefits (urban cooling, improved air quality, thermal comfort), it does not, to date, constitute a structured tool for managing biodiversity.

In this context, IRICE proposes a possible link between this carbon method and the Effinature biodiversity certification standards, in a logic of strategic complementarity.

1. What the Tree-Lined City Method Actually Covers

The Tree-Lined City method operates within a clearly defined perimeter:

• carbon valorization of tree or shrub plantings in the city;
• commitments over 25 to 30 years with audits at 5, 15 and 25 years;
• eligibility restricted to urban areas as defined by INSEE;
• obligation of additionality (plantings not imposed by a local urban planning rule).

The indicators mainly focus on:

• the number and type of trees planted,
• their location,
• their carbon sequestration potential,
• and associated maintenance practices.

Biodiversity is mentioned as a potential co-benefit. It is neither a primary objective nor an independent steering mechanism.

2. What the method does not cover: biodiversity, soil, fauna, connectivity

Urban biodiversity is not limited to the tree canopy. It depends on multiple factors:

• diversity of plant strata (herbaceous, shrubby, arboreal);
• ecological continuities (connectivity, green and brown networks);
• soil quality (porosity, microbiology, presence of litter);
• presence and maintenance of wildlife (pollinators, birds, target species);
• ecological compatibility of the planted species.

The Tree-Covered City method does not currently offer a faunal analysis grid, a long-term ecological management plan, or an independent naturalist monitoring protocol.

3. The contribution of Effinature certifications

IRICE, as an accredited certifier, supports the Effinature standards, broken down by phase (design, implementation, operation) and by type of operation (new construction, rehabilitation, space management).

Effinature certifications are based on:

• an assessment of the actual impacts on biodiversity,
• project management through objective ecological indicators,
• a management plan covering a minimum of 25 years,
• requirements regarding living soils, habitats, local fauna and introduced species.

The audits are conducted by IRICE, according to a standardized, documented and enforceable methodology.

4. Structured compatibility: carbon labeling and biodiversity certification

Far from being mutually exclusive, the two approaches can be rigorously combined:

• The Tree-City method highlights the carbon effects of a greening operation;
• The Effinature certification frames its real effects on biodiversity.

In this context, IRICE offers a complementary certification pathway for Tree-City projects that wish to go further:

• Initial biodiversity assessment (ARKENOR)
• Ecological project management assistance (ARKENOR) and technical modeling (ARKEMEP)
• Effinature (IRICE) certification with a 25-year audit

This combination offers project leaders dual recognition:

• carbon (Low-Carbon Label),
• biodiversity (Effinature).

5. Conclusion

Urban greening today must meet a dual imperative: to sequester carbon, but also to restore ecosystems.

The Tree-Lined City method is a useful tool in the first case. For the second, only independent certification, based on solid and audited ecological criteria, can provide the necessary guarantees.

IRICE offers project owners and local authorities a clear link between the two approaches. Each planting can thus be part of a virtuous carbon trajectory and a managed, measured, and sustainable ecological cycle.