Why should the energy renovation of existing buildings be a government priority?

Unlike new construction, where volumes are stagnating, the existing building stock concentrates most of the possible gains in terms of energy performance, comfort and energy efficiency.

Why has energy-efficient renovation become essential?

Energy renovation addresses several major challenges:

• sustainable reduction of energy consumption;
• improved thermal comfort in both summer and winter;
• reduction in CO₂ emissions;
• combating energy poverty;
• real estate asset valuation.

For construction industry players, it also represents a source of sustainable growth in a context of slowing new construction.

Which buildings are most affected?

The priorities identified by public authorities and professionals focus primarily on:

• detached houses built before 1975;
• energy-inefficient condominiums;
• tertiary buildings subject to the tertiary decree;
• public facilities (schools, hospitals, administrative buildings).

These segments contain the majority of French energy-inefficient buildings.

Which technical solutions are the most effective today?

Several technical levers can be combined:

• building envelope insulation (walls, roofs, ground floors);
• replacement of joinery;
• high-performance heating systems (heat pumps, biomass, heat networks);
• Appropriate ventilation;
• Energy management and intelligent regulation.

Comprehensive approaches, integrating multiple batches, are those that offer the best long-term energy results.

Why does insulation remain the key to performance?

Insulation accounts for up to 60% of the potential energy savings of a renovated building. Without effective treatment of the building envelope, the performance of technical equipment remains limited.

Exterior thermal insulation, attic and ground floor insulation are among the most cost-effective solutions in terms of energy and the environment.

What obstacles still remain on the ground?

Despite the increasing power of public mechanisms, several obstacles remain:

• administrative complexity of aid;
• regulatory instability;
• lack of visibility for households;
• shortage of skilled labor;
• financing difficulties in some co-owned properties.

These obstacles are slowing down the pace of renovation, which is nevertheless necessary to achieve climate goals.

What role for manufacturers and construction companies?

Industrialists play a central role in:

• materials and systems innovation;
• reducing the carbon footprint of products;
• the training of professionals;
• technical support for construction sites.

Companies, for their part, are becoming key players in energy consulting for project owners.

Towards a massification of energy renovation?

To achieve national targets, the annual rate of high-performance renovations needs to double. This requires:

• a stable public policy;
• simplified user journeys;
• better coordination between actors;
• a holistic approach rather than a single-step approach.

The scaling up of energy renovation thus appears as one of the major challenges for the French construction industry in the coming decade.

F.A.Q

Why is renovation a priority over new construction?
Because more than 80% of the buildings of 2050 are already built.

What is the first thing to address during a renovation?
Insulating the building envelope before installing equipment.

Are public subsidies indispensable?
Yes, they influence the ability of many households to take action.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.