Summary:
- What is RE2020?
- The goals of RE2020 and its impacts in 2025
- The stakeholders concerned by the regulation in 2025
- Measures of the orientation law for food sovereignty
- Life Cycle Analyses and future sustainable construction
What is RE2020?
The RE2020, or Environmental Regulation 2020, constitutes an ambitious legislative framework in France, focusing on improving the energy and ecological performance of buildings. This text is based on three main priorities. On one hand, a promotion of the reduction of the carbon impact of buildings is outlined, with special attention to limiting greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle. On the other hand, the regulation emphasizes improving energy performance through the strengthening of standards around insulation, air tightness, and encouragement to use renewable energies. Finally, optimal summer comfort is also at the heart of this regulation, seeking to ensure the thermal well-being of occupants during heat waves.
Ultimately, the ultimate goal of RE2020 is to make buildings more sustainable, energy-efficient, and most importantly, comfortable for their inhabitants. Indeed, the implementation of this regulation embodies a response to the major challenges of the energy transition and the necessity of a building that respects the climate in France. But what are the specific objectives?
| Type of building | Maximum carbon impact (in kg CO² eq./m²) |
|---|---|
| Individual houses | 640 (2022) ➡️ 530 (2025) |
| Collective housing | 740 (2022) ➡️ 650 (2025) |
These values reveal a clear intention to lower emission thresholds, encouraging professionals to adopt materials that align with these new standards. The crucial question then arises: how will these restrictions influence the construction sector?
The goals of RE2020 and its impacts in 2025
The goals of RE2020 are rooted in a global vision of combating climate change. Starting in 2025, these principles will benefit from an even stricter application. Emissions of greenhouse gases will have to be limited by the new thresholds, requiring a significant transformation of practices in building.
In concrete terms, the regulation imposes a lowering of the limit values on carbon emissions. Let’s zoom in on the key figures:
| Type of building | Carbon index of energy (kg CO² eq./m²) |
|---|---|
| Individual houses | 160 (2022) ➡️ 160 (2025) |
| Collective housing connected to a heat network | 560 (2022) ➡️ 320 (2025) |
| Other collective housing | 560 (2022) ➡️ 260 (2025) |
The new values show a strategy of adaptation to contemporary challenges, working for a top-tier energy performance. The emphasis is placed not only on emissions but also on the use of renewable energies. Indeed, RE2020 strongly encourages the integration of alternative energy sources, for example, solar energy. Substantial amounts of photovoltaic installations are expected to emerge in response to these new legislations, meeting the growing demand. Thus, a transformation of the construction landscape is underway, redefining the framework of energy efficiency.
The stakeholders concerned by the regulation in 2025
RE2020 is changing the landscape of many economic sectors in France. Different stakeholders will need to prepare effectively for this transition. Identifying the main concerned parties allows for anticipating the issues that are looming on the horizon of 2025.
- 🔨 Project owners and managers: These professionals will need to adapt to the new energy performance standards, integrating contemporary techniques and more ecological materials for building design.
- 📊 Design offices: They will be required to develop life cycle analysis methods to accurately assess the environmental impact of construction projects.
- 🏗️ Real estate developers: They will have the responsibility to propose projects in compliance with the revised standards, ensuring more sustainable constructions for a changing market.
The dynamics that RE2020 imposes, through its articles and measures, unfold on several fronts. But to what extent will these changes influence the future of buildings in France and what adaptations will need to be implemented concretely by these various stakeholders over time? ❓
Measures of the orientation law for food sovereignty
First of all, it is essential to understand that the orientation law for food sovereignty and the renewal of generations in agriculture, enacted on March 24, 2025, frames the long-term vision regarding agriculture. Among its objectives, the law aims to preserve French food sovereignty while addressing the challenges posed by climate change, an approach that integrates innovation and sustainability.
- 🍏 Reconquest of food sovereignty: This principle is formalized through public policies aimed at making agriculture more autonomous.
- 👩🌾 Training and renewal of generations: Innovative initiatives must link agriculture, education, and training to encourage young people to join this sector. The objectives are ambitious, with a 30% increase in agricultural training by 2030.
- 🔄 Establishment and transfer of farms: The law proposes the establishment of a modular diagnostic and a single point of contact to assist young farmers in their projects.
A major element of the law lies in its innovative approach to agriculture, positively rooted in sustainable development. To support these initiatives, reports will highlight concrete and measurable results leading to success in the objectives.
Life Cycle Analyses and future sustainable construction
One of the pillars of RE2020 is based on the implementation of Life Cycle Analyses (LCA), a systemic approach that evaluates the environmental impact of a product, process, or service over its entire lifecycle. These analyses are of great interest in the context of the construction and renovation of buildings.
Sector stakeholders will have to carry out LCAs covering all phases, from the manufacturing of materials to the management of construction. Thus, this approach will guide the design towards greater sustainability. To facilitate this transition, it is established that the equipment integrated into buildings will provide environmental profile sheets or environmental and health declaration sheets.
| Phases of the LCA | Actions taken |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Evaluation of materials used, adoption of circular solutions. |
| Construction | Use of eco-responsible construction practices. |
| Use | Energy optimization to reduce the impact on users. |
| Demolition | Management and recycling of waste in a responsible manner. |
This transformation helps promote sustainable construction and limit harmful environmental impacts, thereby consolidating the role of green energy in the building sector. The recognized importance of LCAs generates an incentive for innovation and the adoption of better practices, both for stakeholders and users. Stakeholders in the building sector, from Engie to Société Générale, are committing to this path, thus contributing to a more eco-responsible future.
FAQ
- What are the requirements of RE2020 regarding summer comfort?
The requirements aim to ensure the thermal comfort of occupants during hot periods, notably through the use of passive solutions such as natural ventilation. - How should companies adapt to the changes in RE2020?
Companies must integrate sustainable materials and design buildings that comply with the new energy performance standards to meet rising regulations. - What are the main aspects of the orientation law for food sovereignty?
It aims to strengthen food sovereignty, train young generations, and support farmers in the transfer of their farms. - How does LCA help in sustainable construction?
It allows for assessing the environmental impact of each phase of a building’s lifecycle, encouraging ecological practices throughout construction. - What is the role of banks in the ecological transition?
Banks like BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, and AXA invest in sustainable projects and offer financial products to support the energy transition.
