SIDIANE considers that it is important to return to the original provisions from 2025: on the one hand, favor overall renovation and impose a Ma Prime Rénov' guide, guaranteeing the consistency of the owner's choices; on the other hand, it is mandatory to produce a DPE, or even a “projected DPE”, to benefit from reliable information established by an independent third party allowing renovation actions to be guided towards the best energy efficiency. And thus, ensure that state aid is effective and profitable.
The number of grant requests linked to energy renovations of housing has fallen by 40% at the start of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This is due to the reform of the Ma Prime Rénov' system in force since 1 last January, decreed by the Government in the name of budgetary rigor. The system was made less accessible to reduce subsidies by 1 billion euros. This approach aimed to favor overall renovations by no longer financing isolated renovation actions. Immediate unfortunate consequence: the renovations collapsed, sparking criticism from both players and companies in the sector as well as from all those who wish to accelerate the energy transition of buildings. To stop this drop in renovation projects and even revive activity, the Government reacted by introducing major relaxations from May 15: the removal of the DPE obligation before work as well as the re-eligibility of "mono-gestures". " at Ma Prime Rénov'. For Christophe BECHU, Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, “A global renovation is better than a single action; but, it is better to do a single action than not to renovate at all.”
Removing the DPE before renovation work is an error
The new provisions giving entitlement to Ma Rénov' Bonus provide for lifting the DPE obligation before energy renovation work. SIDIANE considers this to be an error. How to assess work needs without a diagnosis? How can we make the most relevant choices if we have little knowledge of the building and housing on which to carry out the renovation work? The DPE is the fundamental tool to guide renovations. This elimination will inexorably lead to less well-targeted and less energy-efficient work. This will constitute less effective use of state subsidies when, precisely, the Government seeks to reduce inefficient spending in the name of budgetary virtue.
SIDIANE calls for the integration of a “projected DPE” to optimize the proper use of Ma Prime Rénov’
This “projected” or “anticipatory” energy performance diagnosis (DPE) would prove to be an essential instrument for the owner. It would provide a projection of post-renovation energy performance, highlighting the impact of the planned work and supporting investment decisions in favor of energy efficiency. It is an economical alternative to the energy audit for single-step renovations. Moreover, this projected DPE is required more and more systematically by banks when examining a zero-interest loan application (PTZ) for energy renovation work. However, today, this planned DPE has no regulatory existence. It is time and important to recognize its interest and to clearly regulate its achievement.
The key success factor of energy renovation: stability and visibility of assistance systems for individuals
Continuous changes in the eligibility criteria for Ma Prime Rénov' risk being counterproductive and even dissuasive. SIDIANE underlines the need for stability in public energy renovation policies and calls for a long-term vision intended to succeed in the energy transition in line with the objectives of the Climate and Resilience law of 2021.
For Jean-Christophe PROTAIS, President of SIDIANE: “The establishment of a stable and coherent policy over the long term is imperative. It will not only improve the energy and climate efficiency of buildings but also strengthen the confidence of owners and investors in energy renovation initiatives. »
Trust without which nothing is achieved.