The natureplus Institute SCE is a European cooperative testing institute. Our core task is to organise and carry out impartial conformity assessments of construction products in relation to national and international certification systems. In this context, scientific product assessment is carried out with regard to sustainability criteria. This is done in close cooperation with our network of qualified institutes and testing laboratories.
“We understand building materials!” – and thus the essence of sustainable construction and renovation. With over 20 years of experience within our network, we have a sound understanding of construction products and are familiar with the practical challenges and issues of sustainable construction.
Together with our clients and partners, we focus on reducing harmful substances, promoting healthy living environments, the responsible use of resources and supply chains, the transition to a circular economy, and the climate and environmental impacts of building products.
We analyse, certify, advise and conduct research on the diverse topics of sustainable construction and renovation.
Certification body for the natureplus label
The natureplus Institute SCE was commissioned on 1 January 2018 to award the natureplus eco-label. Conformity assessments in accordance with the requirements of the natureplus certification program and the natureplus eco-label guidelines form the core of our work. Organising the assessment procedures, as well as monitoring and evaluating the results, are just as much a part of our remit as protecting the natureplus trademark.
The separation between label ownership (natureplus association) and label awarding (natureplus Institute SCE) is the fundamental prerequisite for independent testing and the label awarding process. The natureplus Institute SCE operates in accordance with EN 17065 as an impartial awarding body for Type I eco-labels.
In doing so, it is our responsibility to analyse and optimise assessment processes, trial new methods, and, through collaborative research, identify effective procedures and standards for the future of the quality mark and the assessment process.
Sustainability consultancy for the transition of the construction sector
Our team is multidisciplinary and comprises architects, building biologists, biologists, geoecologists and chemists. We analyse building products across all their sustainability dimensions and deal with building pollutants in various contexts on a daily basis.
We advise local authorities and property developers, planning teams and companies involved in the manufacturing of building products.
- Project and process consultancy on sustainable construction and renovation (low-tech, bio-based materials and structures, optimised life cycles, resilience, climate adaptation)
- Strategy consultancy on municipal building stock
- Certification in accordance with BNG/BNK and QNG
Through our cooperative, we offer comprehensive, relevant analytical services from a single source:
- Contaminant analysis (e.g. heavy metal analysis, pesticide analysis, halogenated organic compounds, VOCs, formaldehyde, etc.)
- Emissions measurements, indoor air quality analysis
- Life cycle assessments (LCA, EPD)
Research
We conduct project-based research in collaboration with our partners on various sustainability topics in the construction sector.