Thaïs and Silex1 among the first winners of the BBCA Exploitation label

Covivio has been awarded the BBCA Exploitation label for two office buildings, Thaïs in Levallois-Perret (standard level) and Silex¹ in Lyon (excellent level). This is the first time that such a distinction has been awarded. What is the rationale behind this new label?

Jean-Eric Fournier: The BBCA Exploitation label was initiated by the association for the development of Low Carbon Buildings (BBCA), which brings together more than a hundred players in the real estate sector – including Covivio, one of its founding members. It joins existing labels such as BBCA Neuf and BBCA Rénovation. Its aim is to promote good low-carbon practices in buildings in operation (office space, residential or hotels), throughout the building’s life cycle. The label is awarded by Prestaterre, a certification body, and is valid for three years.

What criteria are used to assess buildings?

Caroline Allingri: The BBCA Exploitation label is made up of numerous criteria. Some of them focus on energy. What is the level of consumption? What efforts are being made to reduce it? Where does this energy come from? The standards also look at transport (for users, service providers, etc.), waste treatment and the management of work carried out in the building during the operating phase, in both communal and private areas. Certain criteria, such as the existence and management of green spaces, are optional and can earn additional points towards obtaining the label.

What were the strengths that enabled Thaïs et Silex¹ to obtain the BBCA Exploitation label?

Caroline Allingri: First and foremost, the two buildings stood out for their energy efficiency. Their intrinsic qualities (high-quality insulation, etc.) ensure excellent energy performance. As a result, greenhouse gas emissions are kept to a minimum. They also benefit from ongoing monitoring of their energy consumption by an energy manager, which means they can be part of a continuous improvement process.
Silex¹ also offers comprehensive waste management, with controlled traceability (identification of several recovery channels, measurement of the quantity of waste recycled, etc.). Particular attention is also paid within the building to the impact of the works on the environment. Consideration has been given to developing a circular economy during the works phases and to using materials sourced close to the building.

Jean-Eric Fournier: Thaïs benefits from the absence of refrigerants on the site and from high-quality green spaces. When the building was restructured, it was fitted with green terraces. This is a real asset, as the plants capture CO₂ . These terraces also improve the building’s thermal insulation. Finally, on a neighbourhood scale, it helps to combat summer heat islands. Another positive aspect of this project is the building’s proximity to public transport – just like Silex¹.

What do you see as the advantages of such a label?

Caroline Allingri: First and foremost, it helps to unite a large number of players around a common project. The label is also an interesting lever for raising awareness of the need to reduce energy consumption and improve our carbon footprint. Working closely with the Customer Relations department and the technical managers of our buildings, we have developed a fruitful dialogue with tenants and building operators. These discussions have enabled us to identify areas for improvement, such as the best practices to adopt during building works.

Jean-Eric Fournier: These are good practices that we can draw on in the future for other buildings. The whole group can benefit from this certification.
The label has another advantage: for us, it is a marker, a differentiating factor in the property market, which can help buildings to become more attractive. Many companies have ambitious CSR policies, particularly when it comes to their carbon footprint. They want to give priority to eco-efficient buildings. This label will highlight the actions we are taking in this area.

These initiatives are part of Covivio’s overall sustainable development strategy…

Jean-Eric Fournier: Reducing our carbon footprint has been at the heart of our Group’s thinking for many years. In 2010, we began carrying out life cycle analyses to gain a better understanding of the impact of our buildings, from a number of different angles (energy, materials, waste, etc.). It’s a long learning process, which has enabled us to gradually acquire a wealth of knowledge in this area. We regularly enhance our action plans, based on a continuous improvement approach. This ambition is reflected in our “carbon trajectory” objective: to reduce the Group’s greenhouse gas emissions by 40% between 2010 and 2030 for all our activities in Europe (offices, residential, hotels). The BBCA certification process, which is now coming to fruition, is fully in line with this ambition.