NCO 25.05
New Construction
The NCO (New Construction) standard certifies the consideration of biodiversity in new residential projects. Version 25.05 in effect since June 1, 2025.
Scope of application of NCO 25.05
The NCO 25.05 standard applies to new residential projects —multi-family housing, semi-detached houses, and serviced residences—that incorporate a biodiversity approach from the design phase. It replaces the BAT20-001 (Construction) standard from the 2020 version, which became obsolete on January 1, 2026.
The assessment focuses on the project's capacity to preserve, restore, or create conditions favorable to biodiversity on the plot and its immediate surroundings. The NCO covers the entire cycle: design, construction, and delivery.
NCO 25.05 in brief
- Target: New residential projects (multi-family, semi-detached, serviced residences)
- Evaluation of the design phase (final tender documents) + on-site inspection upon delivery
- Reference document, 213 pages — 6 categories of actions, quantitative and qualitative criteria
- Price: Starting from €7,500 excluding VAT (≤ 2,500 m²) + €0.76/m² thereafter
- Extension compatible with HVE (High Ecological Value) additive
The 6 categories of actions evaluated
Each NCO project is assessed according to 6 categories of actions that structure the entire Effinature framework. These categories cover the ecological, social and operational dimensions of biodiversity in real estate.
Living Soils
Preserving soil structure and life: open ground, permeability, microorganisms. In new construction, managing earthworks and protecting fertile soil layers are crucial.
Plant Heritage
Choice of tree species, vegetation layers, planted corridors. The NCO assesses the coherence between the landscape project and the local biogeographical context.
Impact Reduction
Light, noise, and chemical pollution. The new construction site generates measurable disturbances: the NCO quantifies the reduction and compensation measures.
Local Wildlife
Habitats, nesting boxes, wildlife crossings, ecological continuity. New construction offers the possibility of integrating these features from the architectural design stage.
User well-being
Access to green spaces, landscape quality, views of nature. The NCO measures the project's contribution to the quality of life of future residents.
Team Skills
Training of stakeholders, appointment of a biodiversity coordinator, site monitoring. The NCO verifies that the necessary skills exist to guarantee implementation.
NCO Certification Process
NCO certification takes place in 4 stages that cover the complete project cycle, from design to delivery. Each stage produces a documented and traceable deliverable.
1. Initial Audit (DCE)
Analysis of the Tender Documents. IRICE verifies that biodiversity commitments are formalized in the contract documents: technical specifications, landscape plan, site plan.
2. Final evaluation (design)
A comprehensive evaluation of the project was conducted across six categories of actions. The evaluation report identifies areas of conformity, discrepancies, and points for improvement.
3. On-site inspection (delivery)
Site visit upon delivery by an IRICE assessor. Verification of the effective implementation of biodiversity actions undertaken during the design phase.
4. Certification Review and Decision
The complete application is subject to an independent review. The certification decision is made by the President of IRICE in accordance with procedure 02. Issuance of the certificate is not automatic: it is conditional upon compliance with the requirements of the standard.
Specifics of new construction
New construction offers maximum latitude for integrating biodiversity from the design stage. Unlike renovation ( EVO 25.05 ) where the constraints of the existing building limit certain interventions, NCO allows action on all levers.
Earthworks and soil management: the NCO assesses the strategy for preserving fertile soils from the start of the project. The topsoil removed must be stored and reused on site — an issue not addressed in the renovation.
Site placement and orientation: the building's positioning on the plot directly influences ecological corridors, open ground areas, and connections with the surrounding green and blue networks. The NCO incorporates this analysis from the initial audit.
Architectural integration: green roofs, facades supporting biodiversity, integrated nesting boxes, wildlife crossings — these features are assessed and valued by the NCO standard when they are designed as integral parts of the architectural project.
NCO Pricing
Certification cost:
€7,500 excluding VAT
for areas ≤ 2,500 m²
Beyond 2,500 m²:
+ €0.76 / m²
In-situ control:
€2,250 excluding VAT
Payment: Registration 25% · Initial assessment 50% · Final assessment 25%. On-site inspection (CCR) is billed separately.
Frequently Asked Questions — NCO
NCO 25.05 replaces BAT20-001 (Construction) as of January 1, 2026. The 2025 version strengthens the requirements for living soils, refines the criteria for plant heritage, and adds quantitative indicators for local fauna. Projects registered before January 1, 2026, under BAT20-001 retain their original standard.
Yes. HVE (High Environmental Value) is an addendum to the main standards. Once a project is NCO certified, the project owner can request the HVE extension to recognize projects that have reached higher environmental thresholds. Learn more about HVE →
Using a Biodiversity Partner is not mandatory, but highly recommended. These consultants, trained by Qualitel Formation, are familiar with the Effinature standard and assist the project owner in preparing the application. Directory of Biodiversity Partners →
Yes. The BREEAM New Construction certification assessed by IRICE is independent and can be combined with Effinature NCO. The two certifications cover complementary areas: biodiversity (Effinature) and overall ESG performance (BREEAM).
Certify your new construction
Submit your NCO application online. Initial contact without obligation, response within 48 hours.
Complete your approach
EVO — Renovation
Biodiversity certification for residential renovations.
Learn more →HOR — Layout
Biodiversity certification for developments and ZACs.
Learn more →HVE — High Ecological Value
Addendum for projects reaching higher ecological thresholds.
Learn more →BREEAM New Construction
Comprehensive, independent and cumulative ESG certification.
Learn more →Initial exchange without obligation