New construction: the RE2020 environmental regulation is here!

The RE2020 environmental regulation replaces the RT2012 and introduces new requirements to reduce the carbon footprint and improve the energy performance of buildings.

Marie Faucon
Consultante HSE
Publication : 
03.11.2021
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Please note: This article concerns French legislation. The requirements described may not apply in other countries.

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The environmental regulation known as RE2020 sets energy and environmental performance requirements for new construction.

It was published this summer and will be phased in starting in 2022 for new building construction, including offices.

This RE2020 replaces the RT2012 thermal regulation.

What are the goals of the RE2020?

  • significantly reduce building carbon emissions;
  • prioritize energy efficiency as well as the decarbonization of energy ;
  • ensure comfort during hot weather.

To this end, it is more stringent than the RT2012.

Which buildings are affected?

Initially, the RE2020 applies to the construction of residential, office, and primary or secondary school buildings.

It applies starting from:

  • January 1, 2022, for residential buildings,
  • July 1, 2022, for office buildings and primary or secondary schools;
  • January 1, 2023, for extensions of these buildings and temporary structures.

Until January 1, 2023, the requirements of the RT2012 apply to temporary structures and small-scale extensions.

In a second phase, RE2020 could extend to other types of building construction, including industrial and commercial buildings. As expected, one or more future decrees will introduce RE2020 requirements for these structures.

What are the energy and environmental performance requirements?

The construction of any building or part of a building covered by these regulations must meet minimum standards in the following areas:

Source = Environmental Regulations for New Buildings (RE2020) guide from the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Cerema

Minimum results are set based on building category and geographical location.
Consequently, some of these minimum requirements will evolve progressively in 2025, 2028, and 2031 to further strengthen RE2020 standards.

A decree defines the minimum technical characteristics for specific building components that contribute to energy and environmental performance, sanitary quality, or thermal comfort.

How is compliance with these minimum requirements verified?

A calculation method is used to verify that minimum results and technical requirements are met.

However, the project owner may propose an adaptation of this method if it is not applicable due to the specific nature of the project, a particular system, or the creation or significant modification of a heating or cooling network.

Construction projects even more ambitious than RE2020?

Regarding the RE2020 label, which is currently under consultation, it will include reinforced requirements for RE2020 indicators.

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Photo credit: Erik Mclean