Rethinking real estate through sustainable research

IRICE is actively engaged in research and development (R&D) activities to develop innovative solutions dedicated to sustainable real estate, integrating biodiversity, carbon efficiency and resource management. Our projects, aligned with current climate and societal challenges, cover scientific fields such as urban microclimate, carbon emission reduction, water resource optimization and urban biodiversity preservation. This rigorous, scientific approach positions IRICE as a pioneer in the transformation of urban spaces into sustainable habitats.

Guided by an innovative approach recognized by the French Research Tax Credit (Crédit d'Impôt Recherche - CIR), our research work leads to the development of new ecological technologies and infrastructures. Our R&D activities meet scientific qualification requirements by making original contributions to anticipating tomorrow's needs. By investing in high-impact projects, IRICE provides players in the real estate sector with the means to build resilient, respectful environments for future generations.

OUR AREAS OF INNOVATION

Urban microclimate

Cities often generate heat islands, exacerbating temperatures and making certain spaces difficult to live in. The field of urban microclimate explores solutions to mitigate these effects, using vegetation and innovative materials. The aim is to design urban spaces capable of naturally regulating temperature, thus offering a more comfortable and healthy living environment for residents.

Carbon efficiency

With construction accounting for a significant share of CO₂ emissions, carbon efficiency is at the heart of research for sustainable real estate. This field aims to develop materials and construction techniques with a low carbon footprint. The aim is to reduce the ecological impact of each project, actively contributing to carbon neutrality goals and meeting the sustainability expectations of regulators and consumers.

Water resources management

Faced with the challenge of water scarcity, this area of research focuses on sustainable solutions to optimize the use of this essential resource. Water resource management encompasses the recovery, storage and reuse of rainwater, as well as control systems to reduce consumption in buildings. These solutions not only help to conserve water, but also to create urban projects that are resilient in the face of future water crises.

Biodiversity and urban ecosystems

Biodiversity is often threatened by urbanization, but it can also be integrated and protected within urban projects. This area explores the creation of spaces favorable to local species, by introducing natural elements into urban developments (wildlife habitats, ecological corridors, etc.). These efforts support biodiversity while offering residents places where nature and urban life coexist harmoniously.

OUR CURRENT R&D PROJECTS

Active revegetation

• Objective: Reduce the effects of urban heat islands by integrating active vegetation into urban landscaping.
• Description: This project explores the impact of vegetation (green roofs, green facades, urban parks) on temperature regulation in cities. By analyzing thermal and climatic data, the project aims to identify the most effective types of vegetation and configurations for reducing heat peaks. The research includes climate modeling studies to measure gains in thermal comfort.
• Expected impact: Reduction of heat islands, improved air quality and creation of pleasant urban microclimates for residents.

Low-carbon concrete

• Goal: Reduce the carbon footprint of building materials by developing low-CO₂ emission concretes.
• Description: This project consists in experimenting and testing innovative concrete formulations, reducing cement use and integrating recycled or low-emission materials. Life cycle analyses (LCA) are conducted to assess the durability and environmental performance of these new concretes, while maintaining their mechanical properties and longevity.
• Expected impact: Significant drop in CO₂ emissions in the construction sector, helping to achieve carbon neutrality targets.

Urban water cycle

• Objective: Optimize stormwater management in urban areas to reduce consumption and preserve this essential resource.
• Description: The "Urban Water Cycle" project develops rainwater recovery and storage systems for buildings and public spaces. By integrating intelligent devices for collecting, filtering and redistributing water, this project aims to maximize the reuse of water for non-potable uses (watering, urban cleaning). It relies on sensor technologies to monitor and adjust stored water levels in real time.
• Expected impact: Reduced consumption of drinking water in cities, improved resilience to water shortages, and protection of urban soils against flooding.

Habitat for urban wildlife

• Objective: Create favorable habitats for local species to enrich biodiversity in urban environments.
• Description: This project aims to design and test ecological infrastructures (nesting boxes, plant corridors, spaces dedicated to pollinating insects) integrated into buildings and green spaces. It involves partnerships with ecologists to identify the needs of local species and measure their adaptation. Prototype micro-habitats are installed and monitored to optimize their impact on biodiversity.
• Expected impact: Increased biodiversity in the urban environment, improved quality of the urban ecosystem, and greater awareness among residents of the need to preserve local wildlife.

Proactive adaptation to ecological regulations

By anticipating regulatory changes, IRICE ensures that its projects meet future sustainability and performance standards, providing real estate players with reinforced and lasting compliance.