EVO 25.05
Evolution — Renovation
The EVO (Evolution) standard certifies biodiversity integration in residential renovations. It recognises projects that transform existing buildings by incorporating nature as a structuring component.
Scope of EVO 25.05
The EVO 25.05 standard is designed for residential renovation projects — major refurbishments, site redevelopments, restructuring — that integrate a biodiversity approach. It replaces the REN20-001 (Renovation) standard from the 2020 edition, which became obsolete on 1 January 2026.
Renovating an existing building imposes constraints that new construction does not face: fixed footprint, buried utilities, existing trees to preserve or compensate. EVO adapts the Effinature requirements to this context by recognising the biodiversity gains achieved relative to the initial state of the site.
EVO 25.05 at a glance
- Target Residential renovations: refurbishments, redevelopments, restructuring
- Assessment Design phase (tender documents + final) + on-site inspection at handover
- Approach Biodiversity gain measured against the initial state of the site
- Pricing From EUR 7,500 excl. VAT (up to 2,500 sqm) + EUR 0.76/sqm beyond
- Extension Compatible with the HVE (High Ecological Value) add-on
Biodiversity challenges specific to renovation
Renovation presents specific biodiversity challenges that the EVO standard addresses differently from NCO (new construction).
Baseline ecological survey: before any intervention, EVO requires an ecological assessment of the site. Notable trees, existing nesting sites, protected species — these elements must be identified and taken into account in the renovation project.
Preservation and compensation: unlike new construction, which starts from a plot that is often bare, renovation must balance the preservation of existing plant heritage against the technical constraints of the works. EVO assesses the quality of this balance and recognises compensation measures where removals are unavoidable.
De-sealing: renovation offers opportunities to de-seal soils — removing hard surfaces, creating swales, reclaiming ground-level land. EVO recognises these actions, which contribute directly to the ZAN (Zero Net Artificialisation) objectives.
Built heritage and fauna: older buildings often shelter species (bats, nocturnal raptors, swifts) whose habitats are legally protected. EVO verifies that the renovation project includes preservation or relocation measures in compliance with regulations.
EVO and social housing providers
Social housing providers manage an ageing property portfolio where renovation is a major challenge — both in terms of energy (Climate and Resilience Act) and ecology. The EVO standard provides a framework for structuring and demonstrating biodiversity integration in refurbishment programmes.
For housing providers subject to the CSRD, Effinature EVO certification delivers audited and traceable data on the biodiversity dimension of their portfolio. This data feeds directly into the ESRS E4 datapoints required by the directive.
Your sector: discover how IRICE certifications adapt to the specific constraints of social housing providers. Dedicated social housing page →
EVO certification process
1. Initial audit (tender documents)
Analysis of the tender documentation. Verification that biodiversity commitments account for the initial state of the site and the constraints of the existing building.
2. Final assessment (design)
Full assessment against the 6 action families, calibrated to the renovation context. The report measures the biodiversity gain between the initial state and the project.
3. On-site inspection (handover)
Site visit at handover. Verification of effective implementation: tree preservation, de-sealing, wildlife features, plantings.
4. Review and certification decision
The complete file undergoes an independent review. The certification decision is made by the president of IRICE in accordance with procedure 02. Certificate issuance is not automatic: it is conditional upon compliance with the standard requirements.
Frequently asked questions — EVO
EVO 25.05 replaced REN20-001 (Renovation) on 1 January 2026. The 2025 edition incorporates strengthened criteria on soil de-sealing and preservation of fauna in existing buildings. Projects registered before 1 January 2026 under REN20-001 retain their original standard.
Yes. The EVO standard is compatible with all levels of energy renovation. It is particularly relevant for BBC renovations that modify the building envelope and outdoor spaces, as these works directly affect the site biodiversity.
EVO assesses the strategy for preserving the existing tree stock. If trees must be felled for technical reasons, the standard verifies that compensation measures are planned: replanting with native species, creating new habitats, retaining deadwood.
Yes. HVE (High Ecological Value) is an add-on applicable to all Effinature standards, including EVO. Learn more about HVE →
Certify your renovation
Submit your EVO application online. No-commitment initial discussion, response within 48 hours.
Complement your approach
NCO — New Construction
Biodiversity certification for new residential projects.
En savoir plus →HOR — Urban Development
Biodiversity certification for urban development and planning zones.
En savoir plus →HVE — High Ecological Value
Add-on for projects reaching higher ecological thresholds.
En savoir plus →Social housing
Consolidated IRICE offering for social housing providers.
En savoir plus →No-commitment initial discussion