New insulation and temperature control requirements for heating and cooling networks

Find out more about stricter temperature control and insulation requirements for heating and cooling distribution networks.

Amélie Peyre
EHS Consultant
Update : 
12.09.2025
Publication: 
15.11.2023
Contents
Example H2
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As part of the drive to reduce energy consumption, temperature control and insulation requirements for heating and cooling distribution networks have been stepped up.

Which buildings are affected?

Multi-dwelling buildings (or parts of buildings) and buildings (or parts of buildings) in which tertiary activities are carried out, whether for new or existing buildings.

Temperature control

From January1, 2027, control systems will have to regulate heating and cooling temperatures by room or, if justified, by zone, in minimum hourly steps.

Heating systems connected to a building automation and control system (BACS) are deemed to meet this regulatory requirement.

The heating temperature control requirement does not apply when the heating system's heat generator is an independent appliance for which the fuel supply is not automated.

An exemption is also provided when their installation is not technically or economically feasible, i.e. when the owner produces a study establishing that the installation of such a control system is not feasible with a payback time of less than ten years.

Previously, this requirement was mandatory for :

  • new buildings for which the building permit is submitted on or after July 21, 2021;
  • other existing buildings (building permit filed before July 21, 2021), if work to install or replace heat generators (e.g. boilers) is undertaken on or after July 21, 2021. The obligation then applies to the owner of the emitters connected to the installed or replaced generator.

Insulation of heating and cooling distribution networks

From January1, 2027, thermal insulation will be mandatory for :

  • heating distribution networks, used for heating or domestic hot water (including those connected to a heating network) and passing through unheated premises or those located outdoors;
  • cooling distribution networks (including those connected to a cooling network) passing through uncooled premises, or located outdoors.

This insulation must comply with the characteristics defined by the Order of June 8, 2023. When the insulation is class 4 or higher according to NF EN 12 828 + A1: 2014 "Heating systems in buildings - Design of water heating systems", it is deemed to meet the required characteristics.

However, when the owner of the distribution network draws up or has drawn up a study establishing that it is technically impossible to comply with the insulation characteristics required by the Order of June 8, 2023, the network is insulated in order to achieve the lowest possible heat transmission coefficient

Previously, the obligation to insulate heating and cooling distribution networks only applied to residential and commercial buildings undergoing renovation (RT element by element or RT global).

Legal references

Decree no. 2023-444 of June 7, 2023 on temperature control systems for heating and cooling systems and the insulation of heating and cooling distribution networks.

Order of June 8, 2023 on temperature control systems for heating and cooling systems and insulation for heat and cold distribution networks