Full third-party auditing, a guarantee of impartiality

Performances are evaluated by Certivéa through “full third-party” audits, conducted in a completely independent manner by auditors who are appointed and paid by Certivéa.
An auditor evaluates the compliance with the technical scheme’s requirements and the justifications for achieving the objectives set by the project owner for the building’s environmental performance and management system. This auditor is appointed by Certivéa.

Certivéa's approach clearly distinguishes itself from other international approaches and multiple initiatives which are springing up everywhere.

To ensure full compliance with this principle, Certivéa has chosen to apply it to all of its operations in France and internationally. Thus, the auditor is always selected, paid for and supervised by Certivéa and not by the applicant.
The auditor does not aid, train or advise in any way the certification applicant, who remains in full control concerning the choice of objectives and the means which will be employed for their project.

The certification process encompasses a human and educational dimension

The audit is carried out in the presence of those managing the operation, and in situ for the auditing of the execution phase.
This approach allows each player in the operation to actively participate in obtaining certification, since it fosters a mechanism for capitalizing on practices and acquired knowledge.
This provides an enriching and unifying human dimension to the stakeholders in the operation.

The highest level of compliance with the greatest trustworthiness level recognised by ISO, via this “full third party” auditing mechanism

Certivéa is the certification body. It issues certifications, after consultation with a committee (composed of representatives of project owners, building users, construction industry players and experts) deciding whether to grant the certificate or to make additional tests. This choice made by Certivéa strongly guarantees independence and impartiality to the building certification applicant.
Consequently, it offers a trustworthiness level recognised as the highest in the world, according to the classification made by ISO in the ISO 14025 standard.