HVE
High Ecological Value

HVE (High Ecological Value) is not an independent standard. It is an add-on that applies as an extension of one of the three main Effinature standards:

In practice, the project owner first submits a certification application under NCO, EVO or HOR. Once the development is delivered and the main certification obtained, they can request the HVE extension if the project ecological performance exceeds the standard thresholds.

In the 2020 standards (BAT20-001, REN20-001, AME20-001), the HVE component was integrated directly into the body of the standard. Any project could access the HVE tier without a separate process.

The 2025 edition clearly separates the core (NCO, EVO, HOR) from excellence (HVE). This separation allows exceptional projects to be better identified and strengthens the value of the HVE signal for investors and stakeholders.

In practice, the HVE 25.05 document defines the additional criteria that the project must satisfy beyond the main standard requirements. These criteria cover the same 6 Effinature action families, with raised thresholds and outcome-based indicators (not just means-based).

The HVE tier represents the maximum ecological performance attested by an independent third party. For investors subject to SFDR (articles 8 and 9) and CSRD obligations, this distinction offers a tangible advantage.

SFDR article 9: dark green funds must demonstrate a sustainable investment objective. An asset certified Effinature + HVE provides audited and traceable evidence of a positive contribution to biodiversity.

CSRD / ESRS E4: data from HVE certification feeds the biodiversity datapoints of extra-financial reporting. The HVE tier qualifies an asset as positively contributing to the biodiversity objective, beyond the "do no significant harm" (DNSH) threshold.

Asset value enhancement: an HVE-certified asset stands out within a portfolio and can justify a value premium with buyers or tenants who are attentive to environmental performance.