MaPrimeRénov', DPE and energy-inefficient buildings: the insulation sector denounces the government's failures

As episodes of intense heat bring summer comfort back to the forefront, six professional organizations representing the main insulating materials are calling on the government to consider the evolution of its energy renovation policy.

In a joint statement published on July 8, 2026, the French Association for Expanded Polystyrene Insulation in Buildings (AFIPEB), the Association of Bio-based Construction Industries (AICB), Exiba France, the National Union of Manufacturers of Manufactured Mineral Wool Insulation (FILMM), the Wall Coat Group and the National Union of Polyurethanes (SNPU) denounce three measures which, according to them, risk slowing down the energy improvement of housing.

Three developments contested by the insulation industry

Professional organizations are challenging three distinct orientations of housing and energy renovation policy:

• The announced reduction in the scope of MaPrimeRénov' "single-gesture" scheme. According to the signatories, the Government plans to exclude attic and roof insulation from this program. The roof can account for up to 30% of heat loss in a poorly insulated home. They believe that eliminating this aid would deprive households of a relatively accessible way to reduce their heating needs and improve their thermal comfort.
• The modification of the calculation of the energy performance diagnosis (DPE). Since January 1, 2026, the conversion factor for electricity to primary energy has been lowered from 2,3 to 1,9. The government presents this change as a way to better reflect the decarbonized nature of the French electricity mix and to align the calculation with the European standard. However, the industry points out that some homes heated with electricity can thus benefit from a better rating without any renovations or reduction in their actual energy consumption.
• The project to relax the rules governing the rental of energy-inefficient properties. The draft law on housing stimulus includes a provision to temporarily allow the rental of certain properties rated F or G, subject to conditions and a commitment to carry out renovations. The signatory organizations fear that this change will lead to the postponement of renovations they consider essential.

Summer comfort is a key concern.

For industry representatives, insulation should no longer be seen solely as a way to reduce heating needs in winter. It also contributes to adapting homes to heat waves by slowing down heat transfer through walls and roofs.

Its effectiveness during the summer months depends, however, on a comprehensive approach that includes solar protection, appropriate ventilation, and heat gain management. High-performance insulation is therefore one element of summer comfort, but it cannot, on its own, prevent all overheating situations.

The industry believes that excluding attic and roof insulation from the MaPrimeRénov' "single-gesture" scheme would particularly penalize low-income households living in poorly insulated older homes. It also raises concerns about the situation of tenants who could continue to live in cold and damp dwellings in winter or in homes that are difficult to cool during heat waves.

Feared consequences for businesses and employment

Beyond the comfort of occupants, the six organizations highlight the economic consequences of frequent changes to public regulations. According to their figures, the insulation sector represents nearly 6.000 direct jobs spread across some sixty production sites in France, as well as 70.000 skilled jobs.

They believe that the instability of the rules can hinder industrial investments, complicate recruitment and training decisions for craftsmen and reinforce the wait-and-see attitude of both households and professionals.

"No household will confidently undertake renovations when the rules change every year."

"No company invests sustainably when the regulatory framework is challenged annually."

The signatories state that they are not asking for an increase in public spending, but for greater coherence, transparency, and stability. They call on the government to keep insulation at the heart of its energy renovation policy, in the name of occupant comfort, climate adaptation, and industrial sovereignty.

The six signatory organizations

• Elisabeth Bardet, president of FILMM, the national union of manufacturers of manufactured mineral wool insulation;
• Philippe Boussemart, president of the Mur Manteau Group;
• Joaquim Correia, president of AFIPEB, the French association for expanded polystyrene insulation in buildings;
• Vincent Hannecart, president of AICB, Association of bio-based construction manufacturers;
• Christine Muscat, vice-president of SNPU, National Union of Polyurethanes;
• Matthieu Lechantre, president of Exiba France, a French professional association dedicated to extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam insulation.

Image illustrating the article via Depositphotos.com.