The Actibaie Group supports Agnès Pannier-Runacher's position for better consideration of summer comfort in buildings

She hopes that it will be better taken into account in building regulations and in support systems.

As part of her hearing, Agnès Pannier-Runacher presented her ministry's main priorities for the end of 2025, as well as the initial guidelines for drafting the 2026 finance bill. Among the measures discussed, she shared her desire for "summer comfort to be better taken into account at all levels in building regulations, as well as support measures." These comments were welcomed by the Actibaie Group, which has shared and championed this ambition for many years.

"Faced with increasingly frequent and intense heat waves, summer comfort has become a central issue. The measures announced respond to an environmental and health emergency. The industry is ready to contribute," comments Hervé Lamy, General Delegate of the Actibaie Group. Many of the provisions of the 3rd National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC) also follow the group's recommendations. These include:

Improving knowledge of the performance of the building stock

Existing data on the performance of the building stock with regard to summer comfort are currently insufficient. Collecting data, from measurement campaigns or simulations, will improve knowledge of the current situation, anticipate future changes in comfort linked to climate change, and adapt public policies accordingly, if necessary.

Renovating housing to adapt to climate change

The energy performance diagnosis (DPE) will have to be improved: a more reliable indicator will be put in place in mainland France and introduced overseas, making it possible to guide work if performance is deemed insufficient.

Work is also underway to include summer comfort in the definition of high-performance renovations, supported by public aid. The call for CEE programs launched in 2024 already includes innovative cooling solutions, and developments are under consideration for MaPrimeRénov' and social housing schemes.

The sector is also involved: increasing the skills of France Rénov' support staff, raising awareness among construction professionals, supporting co-ownerships, and taking into account thermal comfort in heritage areas.

Improving the adaptation of new housing to climate change

Some results will make it possible to assess the achievement of the thermal discomfort thresholds set in RE2020 as well as the relevance of these thresholds, in order to ensure that they are proportionate to the health issues in light of the reference warming trajectory for adaptation to climate change. It should be noted that, in mainland France, RE2020 must be gradually extended to other buildings, starting with specific tertiary buildings (nurseries, schools, shops, health establishments, etc.), with a higher level of requirement for those welcoming audiences sensitive to high heat.

Raise awareness among the general public and professionals of the need to adapt housing to the future climate and promote good practices in the face of heat waves

This initiative aims to share practical guides and a communications campaign to promote passive solutions (solar protection, greening, bio-sourced materials). A prevention program will target the most exposed residents, and partnerships with DIY stores and a guide dedicated to self-renovation will complement the initiative. The regulations prohibiting the operation of air conditioners below 26°C will also be better promoted.