How do sustainability certifications in Real Estate measure up on biodiversity?

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Introduction

Sustainability certifications play a crucial role in the real estate sector, guiding developers and asset managers toward environmentally responsible practices. While ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards are becoming increasingly important, not all certifications place the same emphasis on biodiversity. Given the urgent need to address biodiversity loss, understanding how different certifications measure up can help businesses adopt the most effective nature-positive strategies.
This article ranks major real estate sustainability certifications based on their biodiversity focus, highlighting their impact and scope.

High biodiversity impact certifications

BiodiverCity by IBPC (International BiodiverCity Properties Council)

Founded: 2013
Scope: Global

BiodiverCity is a certification specifically designed to assess and enhance biodiversity in real estate projects. It evaluates ecological impact, habitat preservation, and long-term biodiversity management, making it one of the most comprehensive biodiversity-focused certifications available. This certification is particularly relevant for urban developments and large-scale projects that aim to integrate biodiversity conservation into their design and management practices. It is best suited for developers who want to showcase their commitment to nature-positive strategies and ensure their projects contribute to ecosystem health.
Website: https://cibi-biodivercity.com/

Genval, Belgique 2024, crédits photo Marine Nardelloto

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

Founded: 1990
Scope: Global

BREEAM places a strong emphasis on biodiversity through its criteria on land use, ecological value, and wildlife integration. It encourages the inclusion of green spaces, habitat restoration, and ecological enhancements in building projects. BREEAM is particularly well-suited for projects seeking a holistic sustainability approach that balances energy efficiency, resource management, and biodiversity considerations. It is widely used by developers and property managers looking to improve environmental performance while increasing asset value through sustainability credentials.
Website: https://www.breeam.com/

Moderate biodiversity impact certifications

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Founded: 1998
Scope: Global

LEED certification incorporates sustainable site criteria but prioritizes energy efficiency and material sustainability over biodiversity. While it does encourage green infrastructure and the use of native landscaping, biodiversity considerations remain secondary. This certification is best used in projects where energy conservation and environmental design are the primary focus, but where developers still want to incorporate some biodiversity elements into their projects.
Website: https://www.usgbc.org/leed

DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen)

Founded: 2007
Scope: Primarily Europe

DGNB takes a broad ESG approach, integrating biodiversity as one of many sustainability factors rather than a central focus. Its methodology evaluates the overall environmental impact of projects, considering biodiversity within its broader sustainability framework. DGNB is a strong choice for developers in European markets who seek a well-rounded certification that balances biodiversity with other key environmental and social factors.
Website: https://www.dgnb.de/en/

Low or indirect biodiversity impact certifications

GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark)

Founded: 2009
Scope: Global

GRESB primarily evaluates ESG performance at the portfolio level, meaning biodiversity is not a key assessment area. It focuses more on overall sustainability reporting and investor-driven benchmarking. This certification is most useful for real estate investment trusts (REITs) and asset managers who need to demonstrate ESG performance to investors but may not have direct control over biodiversity outcomes in individual properties.
Website: https://www.gresb.com/

WELL Building Standard

Founded: 2014
Scope: Global

The WELL Building Standard emphasizes human health and well-being through the promotion of green spaces, air quality, and wellness-enhancing environments. While it encourages the inclusion of plants and natural elements, it does not provide a structured biodiversity framework. WELL is most suitable for projects that prioritize occupant well-being and indoor environmental quality while incorporating greenery for aesthetic and psychological benefits rather than ecological impact.
Website: https://www.wellcertified.com/

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Why biodiversity matters in Real Estate certification

Achieving certification is not just about meeting sustainability standards; it requires a proactive biodiversity strategy. Developers and asset managers aiming to enhance their environmental impact must integrate biodiversity into their projects beyond what certifications mandate.

At BeeOdiversity, we help real estate professionals:

Define a nature-positive strategy aligned with sustainability goals.
Support biodiversity integration for certifications like BREEAM and BiodiverCity.
Conduct on-site audits with our Suitably Qualified Ecologists (SQEs) to assess and improve biodiversity impact.

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Conclusion

Sustainability certifications offer valuable frameworks for improving environmental performance in real estate, but their focus on biodiversity varies significantly. For organizations looking to make a meaningful impact, choosing the right certification and implementing additional biodiversity measures is key.

If you need guidance on integrating biodiversity into your certification strategy, get in touch with us at BeeOdiversity!

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