The Environmental Regulation 2020 (RE2020) introduced progressive requirements to reduce the environmental impact of new buildings. Since January 1, 2025, new thresholds apply, particularly regarding energy consumption and carbon footprint.
This article takes a look at these developments and their implications for industry professionals.
RE2020: a constantly evolving framework
Gradually implemented since January 1, 2022, RE2020 now applies to a wide range of buildings, from housing to offices to educational institutions. However, some buildings such as shopping centers and hotels are not yet subject to this regulation.
The six key indicators of RE2020
- Energy consumption
- Bbio: Needs in heating, cooling, and lighting.
- Cep: Total primary energy consumption (heating, ventilation, lighting, etc.).
- Cep,nr: Share of non-renewable primary energy.
- Carbon footprint
- Ic énergie: Carbon impact of energy consumption over 50 years.
- Ic construction: Carbon impact of materials and construction site.
- DH: Degree of thermal discomfort experienced during hot periods.
What changes in 2025 in building regulations
RE2020 provides for a progressive tightening of energy efficiency and carbon reduction thresholds. Here are the main changes applicable as of 2025:
New carbon emission limits
| Building type | Ic construction (kg CO2/m²) |
| Single-family houses | 160 |
| Collective housing | 260 |
| Offices | 200 |
| Primary education | 140 |
Enhanced thermal performance
- Thermal transmittance coefficient of glazing: stabilized at 1.7 W/(m².K) since 2023.
- Solar factor of windows: adjusted according to exposure and climate zone.
- Increased use of solar control glazing to minimize thermal impact in commercial buildings.
RE2020: What impact for professionals?
Materials supporting carbon reduction
- Wood joinery: favored by the StockC coefficient (stored biogenic carbon).
- Recycled aluminum and recycled PVC: alternatives to minimize environmental footprint.
- Low-carbon glass: adopted by major market players (AGC, Saint-Gobain, etc.).
The importance of solar protections
- In offices and collective housing, solar protections will need to be more effective.
- Thermal simulations show that interior blinds may be insufficient.
- Thermal transmittance coefficient of glazing: stabilized at 1.7 W/(m².K) since 2023.
- Solar factor of windows: adjusted according to exposure and climate zone.
- Increased use of solar control glazing to minimize thermal impact in commercial buildings.
How to anticipate the evolution of RE2020?
Solutions for industry players
- Optimize building designs taking new thresholds into account.
- Prioritize low-carbon joinery and glazing.
- Use individual FDES and PEP declarations for more accurate environmental footprint calculations.
Conclusion
With the new RE2020 requirements effective in 2025, professionals must adapt their practices to meet the new energy efficiency and environmental thresholds. The use of low-carbon materials and high-performance glazing has become a necessity.
Would you like to know more about the impact of RE2020 on your projects?
Contact us to discover solutions tailored to your business!