Thermal regulation 2020: what are the obligations regarding heating?

The 2020 thermal regulation, often referred to by the acronym RT 2020, represents a significant change in the French construction landscape. Starting in January 2021, all new buildings must comply with the new criteria established by this regulation. These new standards mainly aim to reduce energy consumption and encourage on-site energy production. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of RT 2020, focusing on the obligations imposed regarding heating, and what this concretely means for future homeowners.

Understanding RT 2020: a necessary evolution

RT 2020 succeeds RT 2012 with the intention of reinforcing energy performance requirements. Developed within the framework of the energy transition, this regulation aims to address current ecological challenges. As the real estate sector accounts for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions in France, RT 2020 aims to reverse this trend. It encourages the adoption of innovative solutions for heating, insulation, and building design.

History and objectives of thermal regulations

The thermal regulation was introduced for the first time in 1974, following the first oil shock that raised awareness of energy dependency. Since then, each new version of the regulation has introduced increasingly stringent standards. RT 2020 marks a turning point by integrating the concept of on-site energy production, with an ambitious goal: each new building must produce at least as much energy as it consumes.

• RT 1974: A 25% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional construction.

• RT 2012: Introduction of the low-consumption house principle, with a limit of 50 kWh/m²/year.

• RT 2020: Goal of 0 kWh/m²/year, incorporating energy production.

The major innovations of RT 2020

With RT 2020, the rules regarding the energy performance of new buildings are significantly strengthened. While RT 2012 primarily focused on thermal efficiency, RT 2020 goes further by introducing criteria related to energy production and diversity of uses. This new regulation also takes into account the carbon footprint of materials used in construction.

Key distinctions between RT 2012 and RT 2020

It is important to note that this new regulation will have direct implications for the design of individual homes and collective buildings. Architects, project managers, and craftsmen will need to adapt their methods of work to comply with the new requirements.

Heating obligations under RT 2020

To comply with RT 2020, buildings must meet three essential obligations regarding heating and energy in general. These regulations are not merely constraints; they embody an opportunity to adopt ecological and cost-effective solutions.

1) Limited heating consumption

One of the major challenges of RT 2020 is to ensure that the heating consumption of a building does not exceed 12 kWh/m²/year. This ambitious objective involves several strategies:

• Selection of high-performance insulation materials such as hemp or cellulose wadding.

• Installation of an adequate ventilation system to optimize indoor air.

• Bioclimatic design, including a strategic orientation of windows towards the sun.

2) Controlled primary energy consumption

Beyond heating, RT 2020 requires that the total primary energy consumption remains below 100 kWh/m²/year. This includes not only heating but also hot water production, lighting, and the use of household appliances. This represents a real paradigm shift that encourages a reduction in energy consumption in all aspects of daily life.

3) Renewable energy production

The third essential obligation requires new buildings to generate their own renewable energy. This can take various forms, and a wide range of solutions is available:

• Photovoltaic panels or solar devices.

• Condensing boilers, such as those from reputable brands like Viessmann or De Dietrich.

• Heating systems using renewable energies, for example, heat pumps from Daikin or Ferroli.

The financial implications of RT 2020

Building a property compliant with RT 2020 can incur an initial cost increase ranging from 5% to 10% compared to traditional constructions. This additional cost is largely due to the use of more expensive materials and the integration of new technologies. However, these investments can quickly become profitable.

The energy savings achieved through well-insulated and energy-efficient homes help reduce heating bills, and over time, this initial investment will be recovered. Furthermore, if the building produces more energy than it consumes, it is possible to sell this surplus to energy suppliers, such as Axel Legrand and other major players in the market.

Adopting ecological heating

To comply with RT 2020 and benefit from economic advantages, it is essential to prioritize ecological heating installations. Not only does this adhere to RT 2020 standards, but it also contributes to environmental protection. Among the available choices, some stand out:

• Thermal solar panels: Ideal for hot water production.

• Biomass heating: Pellet or wood stoves.

• Central heating systems using renewable energies: Such as those offered by Atlantic or Buderus.

Home automation: an asset in energy management

Home automation can optimize energy management in buildings. By integrating intelligent systems, it becomes possible to control and adjust energy consumption in real-time. This control helps limit waste, associating with RT 2020 this concept of a connected home.

Home automation offers several benefits:

• Adjusting temperature according to lifestyle habits.

• Monitoring energy consumption on specific devices.

• Automating lighting and heating systems.

FAQ regarding RT 2020 and heating obligations

What is the maximum heating consumption according to RT 2020?

The heating consumption must be less than 12 kWh/m²/year.

What materials are recommended to comply with RT 2020?

It is advisable to use insulation materials such as cellulose wadding, hemp, or wood fiber.

What renewable energies can be used for RT 2020?

Options include photovoltaic panels, biomass heating systems, and heat pumps.

How can one recoup the investment related to RT 2020?

Energy savings on heating bills, as well as the sale of any surplus energy, allow for the recovery of the initial investment.

Is home automation mandatory to comply with RT 2020?

Home automation is not mandatory but is highly recommended for optimizing energy management and limiting waste.