IRICE – independent certification body (Effinature, BPS, BREEAM)

Independent certification based on defined criteria, formalized processes and verifiable elements, applied to real estate and development projects. 

Independent evidence to support environmental decisions

IRICE is the independent certification body of the ARKORIS group.

The structure is organized according to the principles of the ISO/IEC 17065 standard, applicable to bodies carrying out the certification of products, services or processes.

IRICE intervenes exclusively in evaluation and certification missions, within a scope distinct from the operational activities of the projects being evaluated.

The missions covered by IRICE relate solely to certification and independent assessment.

Consulting, project management assistance, design, environmental studies and the definition of operational solutions activities are carried out by separate entities, according to an organization separate from the certification process.
IRICE CERTIFICATION

IRICE Professions

IRICE independently assesses and certifies real estate and development projects according to recognized standards: Effinature, BREEAM, and BPS.
Decisions are made impartially, in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17065.

Effinature Certification

Independent assessment of the ecological performance of buildings, development operations and asset portfolios according to the Effinature standard published by IRICE.

Biodiversity Performance Score (BPS)

Diagnosis based on measurable and auditable criteria to quantify the biodiversity performance of projects.

BREEAM assessment

IRICE provides independent project evaluation (Assessor / Auditor), in accordance with BRE guidelines.

Technical Evidence Verification

Document analysis, controls, consistency, traceability of environmental evidence transmitted by project teams.

On-site inspections

Verification of measurable elements required for certifications: observations, conformity of installations, photographic evidence.

Certification in the market and delivery phase

Provisional certificates are awarded (market phase) and then final certificates (upon delivery), according to the rules of each standard.
IRICE CERTIFICATION

Transferable skills

IRICE guarantees a rigorous certification process: eligibility review, evidence analysis, on-site audits, document traceability, and independent decision-making.
Its governance ensures impartiality, confidentiality, and the absence of conflicts of interest.

Governance & Impartiality

Independent structure, impartiality committee, handling of complaints and grievances, strict separation of activities.

Certification procedures

Structured processes: eligibility review, document analysis, assessments, verifications, certification decision.

Regulatory compliance

Compliance with ISO/IEC 17065 standards and the rules for using IRICE accreditation materials.

Traceability and internal audits

Documentation system, archiving, data protection, quality control of files.

BRE Requirements / Effinature

Compliance with BRE Global requirements for BREEAM assessments and with the Effinature standard for biodiversity certification.

Transparency & decision

Decision-making process independent of the technical phases carried out by external or internal design offices within the group.

Independent certification: a tool for proof

IRICE operates Effinature certification and BREEAM assessment based on measurable, verifiable and auditable technical criteria.

The methods used rely on solid evidence: naturalistic data, measurements, plans, calculations, reports, and physical evidence. The separation between certification and evidence production guarantees the integrity of the process.

Effinature and ecological performance

IRICE certifies ecological performance according to the Effinature standard.

The method covers:
  
  • eco-friendly features
  • pressures,
  • dynamics,
  • human/non-human coexistence
  • technical evidence,
  • sustainable financial criteria.
The certification applies to buildings, development operations and portfolios.

Biodiversity Performance Score (BPS)

The BPS is an independent diagnostic tool that allows developers, communities and investors to obtain an objective measurement of biodiversity performance. 

The BPS is not a certification: it is an evidence-based assessment tool.

BREEAM ratings

IRICE acts as an authorized assessor.

The assessments cover the official categories of the framework: management, health, energy, water, materials, pollution, innovation.

Impartiality and compliance with ISO 17065

IRICE meets the requirements:

  • independence,
  • impartiality,
  • confidentiality
  • absence of conflict of interest.

No consulting services are provided.

IRICE operates in France and internationally .

ARKEMEP
Engineering & Performance

MEP engineering at the service of design, thermal, acoustic and fluid engineering to enhance performance and technical control.

ARKENOR
Environmental and ecological project management assistance

The environment as an operational lever: HQE/BREEAM project management assistance and ecology to secure your decisions and document the evidence.

ARKORIS
Engineering & Environment

A group architecture: engineering, environment and certification to align your technical, regulatory and ecological choices.
IRICE CERTIFICATION
For any questions relating to Effinature certification, BPS or BREEAM assessments, you can visit the dedicated IRICE website.
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