Durable construction

Summary

1. Fundamentals of sustainable construction
2. Choose the materials and products used wisely
3. Opt for the right construction techniques
4. Effectively manage operating buildings
5. Recycle and reuse materials during building demolition or reconditioning

What is sustainable construction?

Sustainable construction, also called eco-construction, consists of creating, restoring, renovating or rehabilitating a building while respecting ecology as much as possible. This process concerns all stages of the life of the building, from construction to use. This construction method also aims to integrate the building as best as possible into the surrounding natural environment, whether by using minimally transformed and local resources in environments that allow it or in the urban environment, by promoting social ties.

Sustainable construction tends to consume as little energy as possible. This requires a reduction in energy consumption for heating and hot water but also a bioclimatic design, particularly on the walls of the building to limit the use of energy.

Please note, sustainable construction should not be confused with BBC buildings (Low Consumption Buildings) or the HQE (High Environmental Quality) label. These two designations can be applied in eco-construction but the opposite is not necessarily true. For example, the use of glass wool for insulation does not prevent BBC and HQE labels from being obtained but is not optimal, due to the reduction in its efficiency in summer, for sustainable construction.

The fundamentals of sustainable construction

Sustainable construction aims to produce Quasi-Zero Energy (Q-ZEN) buildings using renewable energy and environmentally friendly materials.

To this end, it is necessary to adopt an energy-efficient model and therefore take into account the entire construction process as well as the life cycle of the building. This involves several fundamental points:

• Responsible management of resources: use of recyclable materials and favor reuse.
• Choice of building location according to environmental and sustainable criteria.
• Optimization of the use of energy and materials, particularly water.
• Reduction in energy consumption.
• Waste and emissions management.
• Creation of a comfortable and healthy interior space.
• Optimization of maintenance.

To achieve all these objectives, the installation of quality insulation is obviously essential to avoid thermal bridges, control infiltration, control ventilation and optimize heat recovery with the aim of approaching total waterproofing. in the air.

Standards related to sustainable construction

RE2020:

RE 2020 is the energy and environmental regulation for all new construction. It takes into account in the regulations not only energy consumption, but also carbon emissions, including those linked to the construction phase of the building.

The challenge of RE2020 is therefore to design and build the future living spaces of the French by pursuing three major objectives:

• an objective of energy sobriety and decarbonization of energy;
• a reduction in carbon impact;
• a guarantee of comfort in the event of high heat.

This new regulation replaces RT 2012.

The NF Habitat / NF HQE standard:

The NF Habitat / NF HQE certification is delivered by independent official bodies affiliated to a non-profit association whose mission is to improve the quality of housing. Issued for a period of 3 years, the NF Habitat certification covers all production. It covers three main areas: quality of professionals involved, quality of works, quality of services and information to clients.

The NF Habitat certification is delivered by CERQUAL Qualité Certification, mandated by AFNOR Certification to issue the NF mark. Through this certification, the CIF makes a lasting commitment to the quality of its new housing and guarantees that your apartment or new house will be of high environmental quality.

The NF Habitat standard is based on 4 commitments aimed at covering all the requirements linked to the development of quality new housing:

• Responsible management guaranteeing consistency of quality
• Quality of life for residents
• Respect for the environment throughout the life of the home
• Economic performance and control of usage and maintenance costs

The BBC (Low Consumption Building) standard:

The BBC (Low Energy Building) standard sets the energy consumption of new constructions at a maximum of 50 kWh/m² per year. To achieve this objective, a significant improvement in insulation, ventilation, airtightness and orientation is required.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.