What is the RE 2020?

1 - WHAT IS IT? 

The RE 2020 is a regulation aimed at significantly reducing energy consumption by imposing strict standards on insulation, ventilation, heating, and cooling systems. It reduces their climate impact by taking into account greenhouse gas emissions throughout the life cycle of buildings. 

The RE 2020 promotes innovation by integrating at least one renewable energy source in construction and the use of sustainable building materials. This regulation improves the living comfort of occupants through enhanced thermal and acoustic insulation and by making homes more pleasant to live in during summers by adapting them to future climatic conditions through better thermal comfort design. 

In fact, the RE 2020 (Environmental Regulation 2020) replaces the RT 2012 (Thermal Regulation 2012) and complies with the Energy Transition for Green Growth Law (LTECV 2015) and the Housing Evolution and Digital Law (ELAN 2018), contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the fight against climate change. 

2- SINCE WHEN? 

As of January 1, 2022, the RE 2020 applies to the construction of buildings and parts of buildings like extensions, for residential use, which are subject to a building permit application or a prior declaration of work. Thus, in 2024, the RE 2020 is in force and mandatory for all new buildings. 

3- CONCRETELY? 

The RE 2020 generalizes positive energy buildings (BEPOS) and passive energy buildings (BEPAS). It introduces the concept of life cycle analysis of materials (LCA), favoring the use of biosourced and low-emission materials such as wood for construction, in order to minimize energy consumption. The RE 2020 is a new standard aiming to build positive energy homes (producing more energy than they consume) and passive houses (spending very little energy and recycling what they produce). 

The passive housing 

A Passive Energy Building, BEPAS, is a building that meets minimal energy consumption requirements and has enhanced airtightness with reinforced thermal insulation. The RE 2020 mandates the construction of passive buildings that produce as much energy as they consume. As a result, the housing's energy consumption per square meter is very low, even zero, and fully offset by solar or geothermal gains. 

The priority is to reduce thermal losses. To achieve this, the heating consumption must be less than 15 kWh/m² per year (for renovations, it goes up to 25 kWh/m² per year), and the total energy consumption must be less than 120 kWh/m². The Passive Energy Building relies primarily on excellent insulation of walls, such as walls, roof, and floor. Its airtightness is optimal. 

It should be noted that the BEPAS label certifies high energy performance for a housing unit, drastically reducing the heating and cooling bills for residents. 

The positive energy housing 

Also known as BEPOS, a Positive Energy Building must generate more energy than it consumes and strive for energy independence. 

To achieve this, the heating consumption must be less than 12 kWh/m² per year, and the primary energy consumption must be less than 100 kWh/m². The housing unit must be able to produce energy so that its energy balance is positive (heating, lighting, hot water, heat / cool recovery, and electrical appliances). 

Solar panels, a solar power plant, a wind turbine, or any other system that can produce excess energy can be used to build a Positive Energy Building. 

It should be noted that the surplus electricity can either be stored or sold to the EDF power grid at the prevailing purchase price. 

The RE 2020 regulation evolves the construction standards of new buildings by promoting energy sobriety and efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint of new buildings while improving the comfort of residents. 

4- WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE? 

The RE 2020 regulation updates the construction standards of new buildings. Renewable energy production must at least meet the building's needs to make it self-sufficient, or even exceed these needs. 

To reduce primary energy consumption in housing, excellent insulation of walls combined with better choice of materials will also improve residents' quality of life. 

To make housing energy-producing, it is necessary to optimize the home's free energy sources, such as the sun. To build a positive energy house, photovoltaic panels or a wind turbine can be used to generate electricity. Wood heating, solar heating, heat pumps, and geothermal energy for heating, solar water heaters for hot water. Finally, for water, rainwater recovery, water treatment, and water softeners. 

5- THE ADVANTAGE FOR ME? 

With the implementation of RE2020, we, as individuals and citizens, are sensitized to consume less energy. Indeed, technological advancements that reduce the consumption of our equipment are not enough to reach zero energy waste. Acquiring an apartment or a house subject to the RE 2020 regulation is a responsible, comfortable, and profitable choice. 

Profitable because there is an effective reduction in primary energy bills, possibly even excess when energy is produced and sold back. 

First-time homebuyers can also benefit from the Zero Rate Loan (PTZ), which can finance up to 40% of the property amount with an interest-free loan. The PTZ is subject to two criteria: household income and the geographical situation of the property. 

Reduced notary fees, between 2 and 3% of the acquisition price. 

Furthermore, if the energy effort was previously mainly borne by the new real estate sector, the old sector is expected to be directly involved very soon. It should be noted that properties classified as F in the energy performance diagnosis will no longer be available for rent from 2025. This directly impacts landlords of rental properties. 

At the same time, we all stand to benefit from the decarbonization of buildings, particularly in terms of health, reducing energy bills, and saving costs in the system.