A more reliable DPE has been in force since July 1, 2021. This document precisely indicates the primary energy consumption of the dwelling, its greenhouse gas emissions and an estimate of the energy bill.
Easy to understand, reliable and now enforceable. Introduced in 2006, the Energy Performance Diagnostic (EPD), which is mandatory for all home rentals and purchases, has been radically overhauled to enable the French government to manage its energy renovation policy more effectively.
Changes to the ECD
Readable. The DPE label is no longer calculated solely on the basis of the home’s primary energy, as was previously the case. It also takes into account greenhouse gas emissions. The rating assigned – A to G – is thus a synthesis of the two indicators. The primary energy consumption of the home and greenhouse gas emissions in kg CO2/m².an will also be calculated more precisely. The economic cost of energy consumption is also estimated, for heating, domestic hot water and lighting.
A stable number of low-energy housing units. According to the government, this new calculation method should not affect the number of homes considered to be thermal wrecks, i.e. the 4.8 million that will have to be renovated. While 60% of properties will retain their energy label, 40% will move up a class. 800,000 homes using fossil fuels such as gas and oil will become thermal wrecks, as these fuels increase greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, 600,000 properties with electric heating and 200,000 with wood-fired heating will no longer be considered energy-intensive.
Reliable. The DPE has often been criticized, with older homes that have undergone no work receiving the same rating as recently built properties! Several authorized calculation methods could explain these surprising results. In particular, the DPE was determined on the basis of invoices submitted by the individual. However, in the absence of such information, “blank” DPEs were issued. No information on energy consumption was provided! The new method, which takes into account all the technical features of the property, such as insulation, heating and windows, avoids these pitfalls, as all data entered into the software must now be verified.
Opposable. Until now, the DPE was only an indication. From now on, the increased reliability of this diagnosis means that, from July 1, 2021, it will be enforceable in the same way as the other property diagnoses for electricity, lead and asbestos. Purchasers who feel they have suffered economic loss could then hold the seller liable, who would then turn to the diagnostician. This new tool will also help the French government to implement its energy renovation policy. The DPE serves as a benchmark for assessing which homes should be given priority for renovation, or for allocating grants. By 2028, the ban on renting out homes considered to be “thermal flats” will target properties rated F and G according to the new DPE. As of January 1, 2022, all property advertisements must include an energy and climate label, as well as estimates of the property’s energy consumption.
A transitional phase. The government had planned a transitional phase to accompany the introduction of the new DPE, with the texts required for its application to be published before the end of March 2021. DPEs carried out before July 1, 2021 will be valid until December 30, 2024. All DPEs carried out after July 1, 2021 must comply with the new standards.
An ECD to be redone. While the cohabitation of these two DPEs should not pose any problems for recent housing, this will not be the case for energy-intensive properties. As advised by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, lessors of E, F or G-rated apartments or houses would be well advised to carry out an ECD in line with the new standards, so as to know the precise classification of their rental property. This is because landlords of homes rated F and G will no longer be able to increase rent when changing tenants from January 1, 2021 onwards in tense sectors. While the overhaul of the DPE means that some energy-hungry properties can retain their E rating, others could be downgraded by one class to F, with new obligations.
Published by J. Augereau on February 16, 2021
Source: PAP
