Certifying a project guarantees recognition of its commitment to biodiversity
IRICE acts as an independent certification and assessment body for biodiversity applied to real estate and development. Its systems enable stakeholders to structure and document their approaches according to measurable methodological frameworks. The biodiversity approaches employed fall under the category of three distinct registers :
- labels and display procedures , primarily intended to encourage participation;
- general certifications incorporating a biodiversity component , without dedicated enforceability;
- exclusively dedicated biodiversity certifications , based on independent and formalized verification
The methodologies implemented are based on measurable indicators, independent assessment and compatibility with ESG requirements.
Essential recognition to lend credibility and secure your commitments
The demand for proof is increasing among investors, communities, and regulatory authorities.
Approaches based on scientifically validated frameworks are becoming essential for recognition, understanding, and enforceability.
Approaches based on scientifically validated frameworks are becoming essential for recognition, understanding, and enforceability.
Institutional recognition
Expected in public policies and recognized by institutional and regulatory actors.
Securing investments
Compliant with AMF requirements and ESG strategies
Scientific methodology
Guaranteed by an independent committee and a recognized set of standards
Certification framework and independence
Certification is based on a formalized process of independent assessment, founded on public standards, measurable criteria and documented procedures.
This framework guarantees the separation of roles, the impartiality of the assessment and the traceability of certification decisions.
Our biodiversity certifications and assessments
IRICE provides three complementary tools to integrate biodiversity into real estate and development projects according to the desired level of requirement.
Effinature
Robust and enforceable biodiversity certification
Effinature is an independent certification operated by IRICE , compliant with the ISO/IEC 17065 standard.
It provides institutional recognition, reliable and compatible with ESG frameworks, and attests to the ecological performance of the project.
It provides institutional recognition, reliable and compatible with ESG frameworks, and attests to the ecological performance of the project.
Biodiversity Performance Score
Measurement-based ecological assessment
The BPS is a scientific analysis tool used to measure the biodiversity performance of a project.
It offers an objective and reproducible reading useful for approaches wishing to be understood, compared or guided.
BREEAM assessment
expertise at the service of environmental initiatives
IRICE acts as an independent evaluator for projects submitted for BREEAM certification, ensuring documentary consistency and ecological transparency.
Certification, assessment, labels: understanding the differences
Unlike private labels and declarative approaches, these requirements are part of certification processes based on independent assessment, formalized standards and documented decision-making processes.
- an independent evaluation,
- a scientifically validated methodology,
- a recognized institutional framework,
- a real legal enforceability.
| Criteria | Effinature (Certification) | BPS (Biodiversity Assessment) | Other private labels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional recognition | ✅️ Yes | ⚫ Interpretation needed | ⚫ Not institutionally recognized |
| Independent evaluation | ✅️ Yes | ✅️ Yes | ⚫ Variable |
| Legally enforceable | ⚫ Usable in engaging decision-making frameworks | ⚫ No | ⚫ No |
| Compliance with ESG & AMF standards | ✅️ Yes | ⚫ Usable in analyses, not enforceable | ⚫ No |
Initiate an evaluation or certification process
IRICE supports project owners in a structured process guaranteeing the readability and traceability of the evaluation.
- Registration:
Submission of the elements necessary to launch the process. - Independent assessment:
Technical, ecological and documentary analysis based on verifiable indicators. - Certification decision:
IRICE reviews the results and issues the certificate where applicable.
FAQ - Certifying a project
What is the difference between a biodiversity certification and a label?
A biodiversity certification is based on an independent assessment, a scientifically validated standard, and a recognized institutional framework.
It is legally binding and provides guarantees sought by investors, public authorities, and funders. A label, on the other hand, is based on a voluntary or self-declaration process and does not offer the same level of assurance regarding the reliability of the evidence or compliance with ESG requirements.
It is legally binding and provides guarantees sought by investors, public authorities, and funders. A label, on the other hand, is based on a voluntary or self-declaration process and does not offer the same level of assurance regarding the reliability of the evidence or compliance with ESG requirements.
Why use an independent biodiversity certification?
An independent biodiversity certification is based on a structured, impartial, and traceable assessment process.
It produces verifiable data that can be used in decision-making, institutional, or financial contexts, without being confused with a declarative or communication-based approach.
It produces verifiable data that can be used in decision-making, institutional, or financial contexts, without being confused with a declarative or communication-based approach.
Why get a biodiversity project certified?
Certification provides a neutral, measurable, and traceable framework that allows for:
- document environmental commitments in a verifiable manner;
- securing decisions with public bodies;
- to meet the expectations of investors and landlords;
- to have a framework compatible with ESG and AMF standards.
Is the BPS (Biodiversity Performance Score) a certification?
No.
The BPS is a measurement-based ecological assessmentoperated independently by IRICE.
It provides an objective, reproducible and ESG-compliant reading that allows for comparison, analysis or management of projects.
The BPS is a measurement-based ecological assessmentoperated independently by IRICE.
It provides an objective, reproducible and ESG-compliant reading that allows for comparison, analysis or management of projects.
Effinature is the only approach with enforceable status, issued under Cofrac accreditation no. 5-0655, certification of products, processes and services, scope available on www.cofrac.fr.
How does an evaluation or certification process work?
The approach follows a structured process:
- Recording the elements necessary to launch the analysis.
- Independent evaluation based on verifiable indicators.
- Decision to certify or return the assessment based on the results.
When should the assessment or certification process begin?
Assessment or certification can be initiated in the early stages to guide design choices.
It can also be implemented during the documentation or construction phases to objectively measure environmental performance and ensure the project's commitments are met. Early integration facilitates the production of evidence, optimizes the project's technical consistency, and reduces the risk of adjustments at the end of the process.
It can also be implemented during the documentation or construction phases to objectively measure environmental performance and ensure the project's commitments are met. Early integration facilitates the production of evidence, optimizes the project's technical consistency, and reduces the risk of adjustments at the end of the process.