1. Scientific context: a turning point for biodiversity assessment

In November 2024, the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) published a comparative analysis of twenty-three tools for assessing biodiversity in urban environments in its scientific journal Naturae. This publication, validated by the Museum's scientific committee, marks an important step: it distinguishes between declarative approaches and approaches based on ecological evidence.

Effinature is cited as a structured system based on a set of measurable indicators covering the design, construction, and rehabilitation of buildings. This recognition confirms its place among the tools identified by public research as operational levers for integrating nature into the city.

2. What the Museum article says: measurement becomes the scientific reference

The Museum's article is not limited to an overview. It situates assessment tools within the transition to a natural capital approach, as advocated by:

• the Convention on Biological Diversity,
• IPBES,
• scientific literature on urban biodiversity.

He clearly distinguishes:

• the declarative approaches, geared towards engagement and awareness;
• evidence-based methods, relying on indicators, field observations and a monitoring logic.

In this context, Effinature appears as a structured system of ecological indicators (approximately 80), which can be integrated into the entire project cycle (design, implementation, operation).

This institutional quote highlights a strong convergence between:

• academic research,
• evaluation methodologies,
• operational tools made available to construction and development stakeholders.

3. Why this recognition is strategic for the sector

This official endorsement from the National Museum of Natural History provides three major guarantees:

a) A scientific validation of the Effinature approach

She confirms that the methodology is part of a continuum recognized by public research. The emphasis on measurable and verifiable indicators corresponds to current expectations in the scientific literature on urban ecology.

b) Consistency with international frameworks (IPBES, CBD, GBF 2030)

The article highlights the growing importance of approaches based on reproducible indicators. Effinature precisely meets this requirement, within an ecological trajectory framework.

c) Alignment with regulatory and financial expectations

The ability to produce ecological evidence is becoming a key criterion for:

• the CSRD,
• the European taxonomy,
• the TNFD,
• public and financial decision-makers.

Approaches based on scientific observation and measurement are the ones that best resist the risk of greenwashing.

4. IRICE's place in this scientific and institutional landscape

IRICE operates the Effinature certification within the framework of ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation. This architecture guarantees:

• the independence of the evaluation,
• the impartiality of the decisions,
• the traceability of evidence collected in the field.

The Museum's article directly aligns with IRICE's guiding principles: a credible ecological assessment is first and foremost an evidence-based assessment, relying on measurable data and independent governance.

This institutional convergence shows that the real estate sector is evolving towards more robust standards, aligned with science and regulation.

5. Towards a convergence between research, public policy and independent evaluation

The Museum's publication illustrates a profound evolution: biodiversity is no longer dealt with solely through intention or awareness, but through measurement, verification and traceability.

Effinature and the Biodiversity Performance Score (BPS) occupy a unique position in this regard, as they link:

• scientific indicators,
• field observation,
• independent evaluation,
• regulatory compatibility (CSRD, sustainable finance).

This continuity is precisely what is lacking in many declarative or voluntary approaches.

Conclusion: a strong signal for the entire market

The citation of Effinature in Naturae 2024 is not just a mention; it symbolizes the integration of a French methodology into an international scientific framework that is still being structured.

The Museum article confirms a clear trend: measurement is becoming the norm.

By guaranteeing neutrality, independence and ecological proof, IRICE is establishing itself as a key player in the convergence between:

• science,
• the economy of living things,
• and public policies for ecological transition.

Read the full study: https://irice-certification.com/data/files/naturae2024a15.pdf