Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs): The insulation industry denounces the artificial removal of homes from the status of energy inefficient buildings.

The decree of August 19, 2026, published in the Official Journal on August 26, once again modifies the final energy to primary energy conversion factor applied to electricity in energy performance certificates (EPCs) and energy audits. After being reduced from 2,3 to 1,9 on January 1, 2026, it will be lowered to 1,7 as of January 1, 2027.

This change will automatically improve the energy efficiency rating of some homes heated by electricity. However, it has drawn opposition from six professional organizations representing insulation manufacturers, who fear a decline in work dedicated to building envelopes.

A new classification without modification of the building

The conversion factor transforms the amount of electricity consumed by a dwelling, known as final energy, into primary energy. This value is used in calculating the energy consumption displayed on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

By lowering this coefficient, the conventional primary energy consumption attributed to electrically heated dwellings decreases, even when their insulation, equipment and actual consumption remain unchanged.

According to the summary of the public consultation cited by professionals, approximately 300.000 primary residences could thus leave classes F and G in 2027. The previous modification, which came into force in January 2026, was already expected to remove approximately 850.000 homes from the status of energy sieve, according to the estimate then published by the Government based on the stock on January 1, 2023.

For the signatory organizations, this change constitutes a "calculational trick" that improves statistics without addressing the physical causes of poor energy performance. The occupants concerned will not directly benefit from a reduction in heat loss or an improvement in summer and winter comfort.

Possible consequences for obligations and aid

The change in energy performance certificate (EPC) rating can have effects that go beyond simply informing occupants. The EPC rating plays a role in the schedule for prohibiting the rental of energy-inefficient properties, in defining certain renovation pathways, and in accessing various financial assistance programs.

Industry representatives fear that homeowners will abandon insulation work when their property receives a better energy rating thanks to the new calculation. They also warn of the consequences for French manufacturers, tradespeople, and companies involved in energy renovation projects.

The Government defends a different interpretation. It presents the measure as a way to better account for the largely decarbonized nature of electricity produced in France and to facilitate the replacement of gas or oil boilers with heat pumps. The Ministry specifies that no home's energy performance rating will be lowered as a result of this change.

The old DPEs will be able to obtain a new label

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and energy audits carried out up to December 31, 2026, will remain valid until their normal expiration date. From January 1, 2027, however, they can be certified free of charge by the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) on the EPC-Audit Observatory platform.

This certificate will apply the new coefficient and replace the original label. It will not modify the data recorded by the inspector, the physical characteristics of the building, or the work recommendations contained in the original document.

Insulation and electrification considered complementary

The six professional organizations indicate their support for the electrification of energy uses, which they consider necessary for the decarbonization of buildings. However, they believe that replacing a heating system should not replace addressing the building envelope.

Insulating walls, floors, attics, and roofs reduces heat loss and heating needs. It can also contribute to summer comfort, provided it is integrated into a suitable strategy that includes solar protection and ventilation.

According to the signatories, a home powered by low-carbon energy can still have high energy consumption and remain uncomfortable if its building envelope is not energy-efficient enough. They call for the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to maintain a clear valuation of work that permanently reduces energy needs.

The industry is calling for a more stable regulatory framework

Representatives of insulation manufacturers regret the two changes to the electrical coefficient within a year. They believe this series of changes could undermine the confidence placed in the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) by homeowners, tenants, and renovation professionals.

They are asking the Government to stabilize the regulatory and standards framework and to implement a policy combining thermal insulation, high-performance equipment, and electrification. Their stated objective is to simultaneously reduce energy consumption, bills, and carbon dioxide emissions, while improving housing comfort.

This stance is supported by:

• Elisabeth Bardet, president of the National Union of Manufacturers of Manufactured Mineral Wool Insulation (FILMM);
• Philippe Boussemart, president of Mur-Manteau;
• Joaquim Correia, president of the French Association for Expanded Polystyrene Insulation in Buildings (AFIPEB);
• Vincent Hannecart, president of the Association of Bio-based Construction Industries (AICB);
• Christine Muscat, vice-president of the National Polyurethanes Union (SNPU);
• Matthieu Lechantre, president of Exiba France, a professional association dedicated to extruded polystyrene foam insulation.