The HQE-GBC France Alliance publishes a guide to good practices in sustainable building and public procurement

Dozens of experts from eight countries of the European Union have been involved in the preparation of the guide as part of the Life Level(s) project, which highlights the different degrees of sustainability of buildings.

The project encourages the countries of the European Union to integrate into their legislation the criteria for evaluating the performance of buildings in terms of sustainability from the EU Level(s) framework. The latter takes into account the complete life cycle of a building, covering the stages of manufacturing materials, construction, operation of the building, deconstruction and demolition.

The Guide establishes that sustainable public procurement must be built around three key indicators: Cycle Analysis

of Life (ACV), Overall Cost and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). On the LCA criterion, France stands out with the projects carried out by the social landlord Lille Métropole Habitat and the CD2E in Villeneuve d'Ascq and Wavrin. Pioneers, these projects have integrated nine LCA indicators in their call for tenders since 2019, based on the E+C- experiment, which has made it possible to know the environmental performance of the project and to develop management strategies. eco conception.

“The HQE-GBC France Alliance, with its principle of High Environmental Quality, places the general interest at the heart of its concerns. In order for the buildings of tomorrow to be sustainable and contribute to the protection of everyone's health, we must implement the necessary measures today to ensure their environmental and economic performance and the quality of life within them. From single-family homes to eco-districts, from office buildings to sports complexes, the performance indicators supported by Life Level(s) should enable us to guide our construction choices. By disseminating best practices, we will manage through a joint effort to achieve our objectives,” says Estelle Réveillard, director of the HQE-GBC France Alliance. She adds that the European collaboration within the Life Level(s) project makes it possible to develop a robust working framework and to amplify the impact of the work accomplished.

As a concrete step forward, Alliance HQE-GBC France has prepared a letter of commitment for public authorities and companies wishing to include LIFE Level(s) sustainability indicators in their calls for tenders and thus contribute to concrete way to the preservation of the environment and health.

Guide available via this link.