Energy-efficiency works on buildings – the big recovery project

Carrying out energy-efficiency works on buildings is basically the flagship recovery project. The Citizens’ Convention on Climate has already included this project in its suggestions. Then Emmanuel Macron and Jean Castex both insisted how important it was.

The project does have many benefits. This sector creates local jobs that cannot be offshored, according to Audrey Zermati. Furthermore, the construction industry is France’s largest consumer of energy (45%) and accounts for 19% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There are currently around 7 million ‘energy guzzlers’ – energy-intensive housing with energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings of F or G, the lowest ratings. This leads to “very high electricity bills, particularly for low-income households,” said Étienne Charbit. Renovating housing therefore restores the purchasing power of these households.

14/09/2020