RE2020: What concrete changes for professionals from March 1, 2026

RE2020 in 2026: a new regulatory step

The RE2020 regulation, which came into effect in 2022, continues its implementation schedule with a progressive tightening of requirements. March 2026 marks a key milestone, notably with the lowering of carbon emission thresholds across the entire life cycle of buildings.

Objective: to accelerate the transition to low-carbon buildings and further improve energy performance.

Concretely, this means:

• Stricter IC construction thresholds
• Increased pressure on the choice of materials
• A rise in the use of bio-based and geo-based solutions

Reinforced carbon thresholds: a turning point for materials

The main change concerns the calculation of the carbon impact of buildings.

What is evolving

• The emission thresholds (kg CO₂/m²) are lowered.
• High-emitting materials (traditional concrete, non-optimized steel) are becoming more problematic.
• Life cycle assessment (LCA) is becoming central to every project

Impact on professionals

• Consulting firms need to integrate environmental data more precisely.
• Companies must justify their material choices
• Manufacturers are being pressured to offer products with optimized Environmental and Health Declarations (FDES).

As a result, the use of wood, bio-based materials and hybrid solutions is increasing.

A more demanding design from the outset

With the RE2020 version 2026, performance is no longer solely determined during the construction phase.

What changes

• Carbon optimization must be integrated from the design stage.
• Collaborative work (architect, engineering firm, economist) becomes essential
• Energy and carbon simulation tools are becoming widespread.

Concrete consequences

• Possible extension of study phases
• Increased need for skills in LCA and modelling
• Strategic importance of environmental BIM

Energy and summer comfort: ever-increasing demands

The RE2020 regulation is not limited to carbon. It also strengthens:

• Energy sobriety
• Summer comfort without air conditioning

Focus on summer comfort

Since 2026:

• The overheating indicators are more restrictive.
• Passive solutions are becoming a priority (thermal inertia, solar protection, natural ventilation)

Professionals must therefore:

• Rethinking the orientation of buildings
• Integrate more bioclimatic solutions

Construction site and implementation: practices to adapt

The RE2020 changes also have direct impacts on the ground.

What's changing for businesses

• Increased traceability of materials
• Implementation requirement conforming to advertised performance
• Development of new sectors (timber construction, prefabrication)

Logistics and supply

• Anticipation is needed regarding low-carbon materials
• Potential tensions in certain sectors

Opportunities for construction industry players

While the RE2020 version 2026 complicates some projects, it also opens up new perspectives.

New opportunities

• Development of the low-carbon materials market
• Innovation in construction processes
• Enhancing environmental skills

A competitive advantage

Companies that can anticipate these changes can:

• Standing out in tenders
• Meeting the growing expectations of project owners

RE2020 2026: a lasting change in practices

With this new step, RE2020 confirms a profound transformation of the sector:

• Transition from a thermal approach to a global carbon approach
• Generalization of LCA in projects
• Upskilling of all stakeholders

For professionals, the challenge is clear: to adapt quickly in order to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Imagine illustration of the article via Depositphotos.com.