RE2020: professionals call for a change in method so as not to aggravate the fall in new construction

The new environmental regulations on new construction are in line with this requirement and the construction industry, strongly involved from the outset with the E + C- experiment and driving innovation in the sector, remains clearly attached to these objectives. . Just as it remains attached to the production of a range of affordable buildings accessible to all, adapted to the needs of the territories and the uses of the occupants.

The USH, the FPI, the Pôle Habitat FFB, the FFB, the CAPEB, the UNSFA, the CINOV Federation and the AIMCC are however concerned about the impacts of the project of the new environmental regulations (RE2020) proposed by the government. They believe that this project runs the risk of worsening the fall in new construction from 2021 and that significant adjustments must be made to ensure a sustainable trajectory towards carbon neutrality by 2050.

The draft texts, already notified to the European Commission, were presented Thursday, December 17 to the Superior Council of Construction and Energy Efficiency (CSCEE), which also discovered on this occasion the associated impact study.

For the signatories, if the ambition to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is a consensus, the method chosen unilaterally raises many questions and concerns.

The same is true of the method for calculating summer comfort, which has never been tested, and the strong reinforcement of the conventional calculation thresholds for bioclimatic need and energy consumption.

The signatories believe that the documents presented by the government do not provide the elements of objectification necessary for the assessment of the sustainability of the performances announced, in particular with regard to the control of costs and impacts on construction and industrial sectors. All the more so since a real presentation of the overall economic and social impact both during implementation and during the lifetime of the building and its equipment is still lacking.

For all the players, the proposed reform induces a major change in practices and skills, both in design and in the implementation and operation of buildings. In the absence of major adjustments, it risks causing a major and critical disruption to the supply of buildings, activity and jobs in the sector.

For the signatories, it is necessary to share a trajectory and a gradual and adapted implementation schedule, which integrate the maturity of the available solutions, economic sustainability and the timing of the projects, which allow the sector to stimulate innovations to meet controlled costs. to the objectives pursued, and which ultimately guarantee occupants comfort, well-being and savings.

For the signatories, the spirit of co-construction which has prevailed since the origin of the reform must continue. A balanced, sustainable and controlled RE 2020 will make it possible to stimulate and support the expected change, which we want positive for the construction sector.