Biodiversity as a project lever

Understand, structure, act. IRICE is publishing a series of short articles designed to help decision-makers integrate biodiversity into real estate projects in a clear, measurable and operational way. Aimed at local authorities, project owners, developers and investors, these articles address recurring sticking points, existing tools, and concrete levers for making biodiversity a project asset, not a formal constraint. ➤ All content is written by the IRICE team based on real cases, field feedback and shared experience.

Biodiversity and real estate projects: what elected representatives expect but don't say

Monday, February 26, 2024

In the early stages of a real estate project, elected representatives play a key role. But their expectations in terms of biodiversity are often implicit, contextual and sometimes contradictory. Between environmental ambitions, local pressures, ZAN objectives and schedule constraints, their position is rarely clearly expressed in the specifications. IRICE regularly intervenes in contexts where biodiversity becomes a point of friction... or a point of support. Here's what elected representatives expect, often without saying so clearly.

The local elected official knows that a contested project can quickly get out of hand. So he's looking for one simple thing: to be able to show that there was a clear framework, precise commitments, and objective follow-up.

What he fears:

  • an opaque project in terms of impact,
  • cosmetic ecological measures,
  • poorly managed citizen debates.

What he expects, without always formulating it:

"Show me that you're serious, and that I can defend this project without being challenged on the merits."

Proof of commitment tailored to the region

Most elected representatives don't expect a "catalog" nature. They want :

  • that biodiversity is consistent with local specificities,
  • whether it meets the objectives of the PLUi, the PCAET, or a ZAN plan,
  • and that it does not create conflicts of use with local residents.

A repository like Effinature does just that:

  • integrate site-specific commitments,
  • objectify choices,
  • and create a useful reading grid for the region.
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A capacity to withstand controversy

What elected representatives fear is not environmental requirements. It's the lack of a framework when the pressure mounts. When an association, the local press or a resident criticizes a project, the elected official needs support: clear, objective, opposable proof.

This is exactly the function of an independent certification body: to make a decision within a neutral, verified, arguable framework.

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Conclusion

Elected representatives are the first guarantors of project acceptability. They don't always express their expectations in terms of biodiversity, but they do expect proof, a framework and traceability.

Effinature provides this clarity, without unnecessary complexity, and with a realistic, defensible and shared level of requirements.

Contact IRICE to structure an operational dialogue with the territories.

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