BiodiverCity® Certification | THE SIGN Milan

Challenge

THE SIGN in Milan is a landmark office development by Covivio Italia, which required comprehensive biodiversity integration throughout the design and construction process to achieve BiodiverCity® Construction certification.

The project needed to demonstrate how biodiversity measures could be systematically incorporated at every stage of the development, whilst delivering environmental, social, and economic value that was all distinctly measurable.

This required coordination among design teams to implement habitat creation, ecological connectivity measures, and user engagement initiatives to enhance local biodiversity and strengthen ecological networks.

Project Description and Background

THE SIGN is a landmark office development in Milan developed by Covivio Italia. The project represents a significant real estate asset where biodiversity was positioned as a core design principle rather than an ancillary consideration. Greenwich, now part of SOCOTEC Italy, was engaged to provide BiodiverCity® certification support services to guide the integration of nature-positive measures throughout the development.

The project encompassed the creation of diverse ecological features including new wetlands, woodland areas, pollinator meadows, and wildlife habitats specifically designed to enhance local biodiversity value and create ecological connectivity.

Solution

SOCOTEC provided comprehensive BiodiverCity® certification support services throughout the development process, ensuring biodiversity was systematically integrated at every stage of design and construction.

Within this strategy, the development included new wetlands to support aquatic biodiversity, as well as the establishment of woodland areas to provide diverse habitat structures.

There was consideration of essential insect populations, which were assisted by the creation of pollinator meadows, as well as the wider implementation of more generalised wildlife habitats designed for local species.

Educational and experiential learning initiatives were crafted to connect building occupants and visitors with nature, helping them to understand the need for biodiversity value.

The BiodiverCity® Construction certification validates that biodiversity considerations were embedded throughout the project lifecycle, creating a nature-positive real estate asset that delivers multiple benefits.

As a result of the strategy implemented, the BiodiverCity® certification delivered significant environmental, social, and economic value to Covivio Italia, including increased asset value due to a stronger alignment with advanced biodiversity and sustainability certification standards.

Covivo Italia’s ESG performance and subsequent market positioning were enhanced, while the future-proofing of the development was carried out against evolving environmental regulations and stakeholder expectations.

Conclusion

The BiodiverCity® certification for THE SIGN demonstrates how biodiversity can generate tangible environmental, social, and economic value whilst improving ESG performance and creating nature-positive real estate assets.

The project exemplifies SOCOTEC's capability to support clients in achieving rigorous biodiversity certification standards whilst maintaining design excellence and commercial viability. By integrating habitat creation, ecological connectivity, and user engagement throughout the development process, THE SIGN establishes a benchmark for biodiversity-led office development in urban environments.

The certification is expected to be completed and formally awarded within one month (July 2026), positioning Covivio Italia as a leader in biodiversity-conscious real estate development and strengthening their competitive advantage in an increasingly sustainability-focused market.