Renovation aid: is the energy saving certificate system under threat?

But while MaPrimeRénov is monopolizing attention, it is imperative not to neglect the future of another key energy renovation system: energy saving certificates (CEE). Despite indisputable results and an aura confirmed by a recent report from the General Inspectorate of Finance, this system is now under fire from critics. Indeed, two reports, one from the Economic Analysis Council published this summer and the other from the Court of Auditors, castigate it, calling for its abolition or, at the very least, a major reform.

CEE, a simple and effective system!

The CEEs are distinguished by their universality. Unlike other aids, this system is very easy to access for beneficiaries but it is also and above all the only one that applies to all project owners (public and private sector, professionals and individuals), without resource conditions. An essential and crucial advantage in the current context where the energy transition must be accelerated.

At a time when the entire rehabilitation sector needs clarity over time, it is ultimately the most stable national system in place because it is governed by a European directive until 2030 and, in fact, is not called into question at each budget session.

In fact, between 2006 and 2021, the CEEs have enabled considerable energy savings to be made: 3.336,3 TWhCumac, with a target of 3.100 TWhCumac for the period 2022-2025. When we know that 100 TWhCumac corresponds to the residential energy consumption of one million French people for 15 years, the effectiveness of the system is obvious: the 3.336,3 TWhCumac saved since the launch of the system thus corresponds to the consumption of 33,363 million French people for 15 years, or 48,79% of the French population.

How then can we explain that we could consider depriving ourselves of such a tool?

A model nevertheless envied by our European neighbors

The paradox is all the more troubling since some of our European neighbours have adopted this system strictly speaking. Spain in particular has made a "copy and paste" of the French system. This also explains why some French CEE delegates are now present on the Iberian Peninsula, proof that this French model is gaining ground beyond our borders.

While France is questioning the relevance of retaining the CEE and is considering their radical abolition or overhaul, other European countries continue to see them as an effective solution to respond to climate challenges.

A device to improve, not to eliminate

After many years of operation (since 2005!), it is undeniable that it still needs to evolve to meet current challenges. But it needs to be improved and not eliminated. This is what the Minister of the Economy seems to suggest, as well as a recent call for programs from the Directorate-General for Energy and Climate. What is needed is an ambitious, constructive reform that strengthens the effectiveness of the system while preserving its foundations.

Synergiec, a major player in the sector, recommends:

1. Reinforced control to definitively close the door on eco-delinquency,
2. A simplified route for the end customer as well as for the entire sector, a prerequisite for any climate ambition,
3. Validation of energy and CO2 savings achieved and financed by public aid,
4. A reduction in the time between the end of the work and the filing of the associated CEEs. The aim is to have more visibility on the production of CEEs and the management of the system to avoid fairly frequent drops in valuation,
5. A possibility of being able to use this system for any type of operation. Today, if the system is aimed at all project owners, it is however impossible to use it to renovate by transforming a tertiary building into housing despite the urgency,
6. A cancellation of the integration of CEEs into MaPrimeRénov “large-scale renovation”. This decision has in fact destabilized an entire sector by diverting it from individual residential, which is nevertheless such a priority. The management by the State of the CEEs generated by this work in fact destroys any viable economic model for private actors.

At a time when the climate emergency requires strong and concerted action, it would be counterproductive to dismantle a system as virtuous and sustainable as the CEE. The energy transition does not need more complications, it needs clear, stable tools that are accessible to all. The CEE have proven their effectiveness and adaptability. They must be preserved and improved, not eliminated. Let us not make the climate emergency a victim of short-term budget debates. The time is for action, not regression.

For the record on CEE: the “White Certificate” Made in France

As a reminder, initiated by the Kyoto Protocol in 2005, the "white certificates" system was introduced at the European Union level through the European Directive on Energy Efficiency in order to encourage energy savings in the face of the climate emergency. In France, the system was implemented in 2005, through the Programming Act setting out the Orientations of the Energy Policy (POPE Act of 13 July 2005).

In France, the CEE system is based on an obligation to achieve energy savings imposed by the public authorities on energy sellers called "obliged parties" (electricity, gas, LPG, heat and cold, domestic fuel oil and automotive fuels). They are thus encouraged to actively promote energy efficiency among energy consumers. They prove their actions through these certificates issued by the public authorities in return for carrying out energy-saving work.

As soon as we carry out energy-saving work (insulation, efficient heating system, double glazing), we will save kilowatt hours throughout the life of the materials and equipment installed. For each type of work, a "CEE sheet" indicates the cumulative savings over time, taking into account the evolution (updating) of the level of performance of the materials and equipment over time: i.e. "Cumac" kilowatt hours, contraction of cumulative and actualized.

Tribune by Pierre Evrard, associate director of Synergiec (LinkedIn).