Effinature, new construction
NCO 25.05: certifying the biodiversity of new buildings
NCO 25.05 is the Effinature standard dedicated to new construction projects. It measures a project's ecological performance and contribution to biodiversity, from design through to delivery, and leads to a certification issued by an independent accredited body.
Cofrac accreditation
No. 5-0655
ISO/IEC 17065
product certification
Field assessment
carried out by IRICE
Public registry
of certified operations
The standard at a glance
A demanding, measurable framework
assessment phases
Design then delivery, across the project's whole lifecycle.
criteria
A structured framework covering every environment on the project.
precise requirements
Performance comparable from one operation to another.
Intended audience
Who is NCO 25.05 for?
The standard is aimed at project owners running a new construction operation who want to substantiate the ecological quality of their project: property developers, social housing landlords, investors, local authorities and land developers. It covers collective housing as well as offices, public facilities and mixed-use operations. Certification provides third-party, enforceable proof of biodiversity performance, where a mere self-declaration does not carry the same weight with lenders, buyers and public authorities.
How it unfolds
Two assessment phases
NCO 25.05 structures the assessment in two stages, to support the project throughout its lifecycle.
Design phase
Assessment of the commitments made from the study stage: ecological site diagnosis, siting choices, green-and-blue network, water management, living soils, urban heat-island mitigation, and the potential to host fauna and flora.
Delivery phase
On-site verification, at handover, that the design commitments have actually been implemented. This phase determines the issuance of the certificate.
Scope of assessment
What the standard assesses
The assessment focuses on the ecological environments and functions actually present or created on the operation: soil quality and soil life, stormwater management and infiltration, planting and vegetation layers, ecological continuity with the site's surroundings, habitats favourable to ordinary wildlife, reduced soil sealing and the climate comfort of outdoor spaces. Each theme is judged on concrete evidence (studies, plans, field surveys), not on intentions alone.
A consistent, independent reading
The 51 criteria group 119 precise requirements. This granularity establishes a measurable performance level, comparable from one operation to another. The field assessment is carried out by IRICE, the accredited certification body, which ensures a consistent and independent reading of the standard. Beforehand, you may be supported by a Biodiversity Partner, a professional qualified by IRICE who advises you and prepares your file, without ever taking part in the assessment.
Why it matters
Why certify a new building?
Regulatory and extra-financial pressure on biodiversity is accelerating: the CSRD directive and ESRS E4 standard, Article 35 of the French Climate and Resilience Act, and the expectations of investors and local authorities. In this context, an accredited biodiversity certification turns a narrative into verifiable proof. It enhances the operation's value with buyers, secures environmental claims and sets the project apart in its market. Effinature is part of a wider toolset run by the NORMAXIS group, from a free pre-diagnostic through to a signed certification.
Go further
Explore the other standards
The right choice depends on the type of project and its stage of progress.
NCO 25.05
New construction
New housing, offices or mixed-use: ecological performance assessed from design to delivery.
Learn more →EVO 25.05
Renovation
Renovation or refurbishment: biodiversity gains delivered on the existing building.
Learn more →HOR 25.05
Development
Development and outdoor spaces at neighbourhood or plot scale.
Learn more →HVE 25.05
In use
Biodiversity maintained over time once the project is delivered and occupied (recurring checks).
Learn more →The journey
How to obtain NCO 25.05 certification
The path is straightforward: you submit an application to IRICE, the certification body (Cofrac accreditation No. 5-0655). Once the application is deemed admissible, IRICE assesses your operation against the standard, then makes the certification decision and issues the certificate, which is listed in the public registry of certified operations.
Create your account
Online sign-up, free, in a few minutes.
Submit your request
Describe the operation and the target standard. IRICE reviews admissibility.
Field assessment
IRICE assesses your operation on site against the standard.
Decision and certificate
IRICE decides independently and issues the certificate, listed in the public registry.
Ready to certify the biodiversity of your new building?
Create your account and submit your certification request, or explore the standards suited to your operations first.
Training on this standard.
The training course « Becoming a Biodiversity Partner » covers the New Constructions and Evolution standards, in both design and delivery phases.
14 hours · Eligibility criteria apply