Two environmental laws named “Loi Grenelle I” and “Loi Grenelle II,” implementing the so-called “Grenelle de l’Environnement,” were enacted in 2009 and 2010. The main purpose of these laws was to significantly reduce buildings’ energy consumption. 

In addition, and within the context of these laws, a mandatory thermal regulation named “Régulation thermique 2012” (“RT 2012”) was enacted. This regulation was subsequently followed and replaced by a new mandatory thermal regulation named “Réglementation environnementale 2020” (“RE 2020”).

The RE 2020, which is in line with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by a factor of four by 2050, sets out new and more ambitious standards for the construction of buildings. Whereas the RT 2012 provided for the construction of low-energy buildings, the RE 2020 introduces the concept of positive energy buildings.

The RT 2012 was a thermal regulation and, therefore, focused on the thermal aspects of construction: insulation, heating, air-conditioning, lighting, and hot water. Its aim was to create buildings with zero energy loss. In contrast, the RE 2020 aims to build positive buildings, i.e., buildings that produce more energy than they consume.

Other optional certifications/labels have been introduced or created in France. The most commonly used labels are those delivered by Haute Qualité Environnementale (HQE), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). These certifications/labels are widely used by the French construction industry.

More specifically, HQE distinguishes between 14 areas of sustainability, including post-construction verification.