Aire Nouvelle is participating in the launch of a research program on the biodiversity footprint of real estate projects

Launch of BIG (Biodiversity Impulsion Group)

Aire Nouvelle, a subsidiary of Equans, and several stakeholders from cities and regions are joining forces to preserve biodiversity and are launching the BIG (Biodiversity Impulsion Group) program for applied research and collective action.

Initiated by Gecina and coordinated by the Observatoire de l’Immobilier Durable, BIG aims to develop a common framework of indicators and measurement tools to define and improve the biodiversity footprint of real estate projects, inform the decisions of project owners and investors, and better reconcile the urban and ecological functions of regions.

Three Areas of Focus for Developing a Common Framework

BIG will focus on three key areas to establish a common framework for addressing biodiversity challenges. The goal is to measure a building’s biodiversity-related impacts to guide progress. This approach will help inform investors’ strategies and thereby contribute to aligning the economic and financial performance of economic actors with their socio-environmental performance.

This work will involve, in particular, urban planners, major contractors, public agencies and institutions, professional associations, and experts working on biodiversity issues.

- Measuring Tools
  
  The development of tools to measure the “benefits” of biodiversity at the level of a real estate project (measuring carbon impact, health, and urban cooling).
- A mapping platform
  
  The development of a platform for mapping local contributions to biodiversity (biodiversity monitoring, visualization of urban densification, etc.).
- Mechanisms for ownership
  
  The implementation of initiatives to help real estate industry stakeholders adopt these tools (facilitating a community for knowledge sharing, publishing guides and best-practice documents to support the skill development of internal teams).