RE2020, environmental regulations: definitions, explanations

Introduction to RE2020

\nThe Environmental Regulations 2020 (RE2020), a French standard that came into force on January 1, 2022, aims to improve the energy and environmental performance of new buildings. It initially concerns residential construction, with an extension to tertiary buildings, including offices and educational establishments, from July 1, 2022. \n\n \n

Main Objectives of RE2020

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• Carbon Impact Reduction : A major priority, RE2020 aims to reduce carbon emissions from buildings throughout their entire life cycle, including construction and the use of materials and equipment. It uses the IC (Carbon Impact) indicator to measure and limit these emissions.
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• Improved Energy Performance : The standard requires reduced consumption of primary energy, favoring the use of bio-sourced and recyclable materials, as well as the integration of renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic panels and wind turbines.
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• Thermal Comfort in Summer : The objective is to increase the comfort of buildings during periods of high heat through better insulation, adapted bioclimatic design, and materials minimizing the impact of heatwaves.
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RE2020 Methods and Requirements

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• Life Cycle Analysis : This method makes it possible to assess the environmental impact of materials and equipment, with data certified by the Environmental and Health Declaration Sheets (FDES).
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• Performance Indicators : \n
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  • Bbio (Bioclimatic Need) : Measures the energy needs linked to heating, cooling and lighting, with a required reduction of 30% compared to the RT2012.
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  • Cep (Primary Energy Consumption) : Indicates energy consumption in kWh/m².year, with tightened thresholds to promote energy efficiency and renewable energies.
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Transition and Context

\nThere RE2020 is part of France's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, succeeding the Thermal Regulation 2012 (RT2012) while reinforcing the objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy performance. Evolving CI thresholds are planned for 2025, 2028 and 2031, ensuring progress towards low-carbon construction. \n

Challenges of Adoption of RE2020 for Manufacturers in France

\r\nIncreased Construction Costs The implementation of RE2020, which requires better energy performance and a reduction in the carbon footprint, increases construction costs by 5 to 10% compared to the Thermal Regulation 2012 (RT2012). Builders must integrate advanced materials and technologies, which are often more expensive, thus impacting their initial budgets. \n\nRegulatory Complexity New standards, particularly those relating to acoustics and accessibility, make it more difficult to comply with regulations for off-site construction. Certification requirements such as standard nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building) also impose challenges in terms of compliance and high energy performance. \n\nTransformation of Construction Techniques RE2020 promotes the evolution of construction practices, industrial sectors and energy technologies. Builders are therefore forced to adopt new skills and optimize aspects such as insulation to improve the energy performance of buildings. \n\nSupply and Competitiveness Maintaining the supply of essential materials and the competitiveness of projects are critical. Innovation in the materials used and construction techniques becomes essential to meet the requirements of RE2020 and remain competitive in the market. \n

Impact of RE2020 on Construction Materials in France

\nThe 2020 Environmental Regulations (RE2020) are significantly transforming the construction materials sector in France, with an emphasis on sustainability and low environmental impact criteria. \n

Priority Choice of Low Carbon Impact Materials

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Biosourced and Geosourced Materials

\nRE2020 actively promotes the use of biosourced materials, such as drink, hemp and straw, as well as geo-sourced materials such as raw earth. These materials are chosen for their ability to minimize carbon emissions throughout the life cycle of the building, from construction to deconstruction. \n

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

\nLife cycle analysis of materials is required to measure their total environmental impact, from resource extraction to recycling or disposal, thereby favoring low-emission and highly recyclable materials. \n

Energy and Environmental Performance Requirements

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Performance Indicators

\nKey indicators, such as bioclimatic need (Bbio), there primary energy consumption (PEC), and carbon impact (CI), are introduced to assess the compliance of materials with energy and environmental standards, influencing their choice in construction projects. \n

Summer Comfort

\nRegulations emphasize the importance of thermal comfort in summer, favoring materials that improve thermal inertia and reduce the need for air conditioning. \n

Materials Development and Certification

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Environmental and Health Declaration Sheets (FDES)

\nTo align with RE2020, manufacturers must produce FDES detailing the environmental impacts of their products, thus facilitating the certification and adoption of ecological materials. \n

Mobilization of Sectors

\nThe regulation also stimulates innovation and certification of new ecological materials through the mobilization of industrial sectors, contributing to sustainable development. \n

Biosourced Materials in RE2020: Advantages and Uses

\nThe Environmental Regulation 2020 (RE2020) in France has given a significant boost to the use of biosourced materials in construction. These materials, selected for their low environmental impacts and energy efficiency, play a key role in achieving sustainability and energy performance objectives. Let's discover the main materials used: \n

Wood

\r\nUse: Wood is preferred for frames, roof trusses, and other structural elements, thanks to its carbon storage capacity and mechanical qualities. \n\nAdvantages:\r\n

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• Carbon storage : Absorbs carbon dioxide during its growth.
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• Thermal performance : Excellent insulation, humidity regulation.
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Straw

\r\nUse: Used for theinsulation of walls and roofs, straw stands out in ecological constructions and passive houses. \n\nAdvantages:\r\n

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• Low gray energy : Little energy required for its production.
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• Effective insulation : Excellent thermal and acoustic properties.
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Hemp

\r\nUse: Hemp concrete is used for walls and linings, appreciated for its durability and hygroscopic properties. \n\nAdvantages:\r\n

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• Humidity regulation : Promotes a healthy indoor climate.
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• Insulation : Good thermal and acoustic performance.
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Cellulose wadding

\r\nUse: Made from recycled paper, it insulates walls, roofs and floors. \n\nAdvantages:\r\n

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• Recycling : Reduces the ecological footprint.
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• Insulation : Good thermal and acoustic efficiency.
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Linen and Recycled Textiles

\r\nUse : Used for thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings. \n\nBenefits :\r\n

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• Sustainability : Renewable and sustainable materials.
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• Thermal performance : Excellent insulation and humidity regulation.
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Short summary

\nBiosourced materials such as wood, straw, hemp, cellulose wadding, and flax fibers are essential to meet the requirements of the RE2020. Their adoption not only contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of buildings but also to improving their energy performance. Thanks to these materials, sustainable construction in France is progressing towards ecological and efficient solutions. \n

Innovative Projects in Biosourced Construction according to RE2020

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1. Straw Construction

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• Montreuil : A development of 12 social housing units insulated with baled and chopped straw. Although this technique is uncommon in France, it represents a notable advance in sustainable construction.
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2. Hemp Concrete

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• Puppet : A housing complex using hemp concrete for walls, screeds and linings. This material is valued for its hygroscopic capabilities and its longevity.
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3. Wood construction

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• Île-de-France : Two major projects integrating wood as the main material for structures and frames, supplemented by cellulose wadding insulation.
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Evolution of Biosourced Materials

\nBiosourced materials, although traditional, are experiencing a revival thanks to RE2020. The integration of classic materials with ancient techniques predicts a promising future for innovative ecological constructions. Materials such as raw earth or cob are being rediscovered for their potential in modern construction. \n

Production Capacity and Innovation

\nThe biosourced materials sectors have recently organized themselves to diversify and increase their production in preparation for the RE2020. This development suggests the future appearance of innovative and sustainable constructive solutions on the market. \n\nThese projects clearly demonstrate the construction industry's commitment to greener and more responsible practices, in line with RE2020 guidelines.\n