MaPrimeRénov': design offices call for not sacrificing the initial ambition of the reform for short-term savings

On the contrary, they seem to compromise the initial ambition of the MaPrimeRénov' reform, intended to free thousands of homes from their status as energy sieves and to promote comprehensive and ambitious renovations.

Recent ministerial announcements were made without prior consultation with experts, in particular design offices members of the Cinov Federation which manage energy renovations, contrary to the approach followed for the SNBC Building and the reform of MaPrimeRénov', which benefited of a broad debate involving all stakeholders.

They suggest a reduction in the obligation to use a “MonAccompagnateurRénov” only for the highest subsidies, thus excluding low-income households. This decision is greeted with concern by professionals, particularly engineering design offices who have invested time and money to comply with the requirements planned for January 1, 2024.

This turnaround has a direct economic impact on many design offices present in the territories, mainly VSE-SMEs, and also hinders the ability of households to undertake efficient energy renovations. By lifting financing restrictions on single-step renovations, these announcements risk competing with multi-step renovations, which are nevertheless more efficient from the point of view of energy performance.

The proposal to modify the calculation method of the Energy Performance Diagnosis (EPD) for housing of less than 40 m² classified F, G or E also raises concerns. This approach risks artificially reducing the number of thermal sieves, without really solving the problem of energy poverty.

Furthermore, the Minister's desire to modify the primary energy coefficient on gas and electricity could distort the perception of the energy status of housing, without any real improvement in their efficiency.

It is crucial to remember that these decisions occur in a context where the budget of MaPrimeRénov is reduced, despite the 12 million French people in a situation of fuel poverty. The building sector also represents a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions, it is imperative to maintain an ambitious vision and not sacrifice the future for short-term savings.

In conclusion, the Cinov Federation urges the immediate extension of the Monitoring Committee in order to avoid decisions taken in isolation and disconnected from reality and urges the government to reconsider these announcements and reaffirm its commitment to ambitious energy renovations , essential to achieve national objectives in terms of energy efficiency and the fight against climate change.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.