ENVIRONMENTAL LAW SESSION 5-6

A French diagnostic tool that assesses a building's energy efficiency, including energy consumption (kWh/m²/year), greenhouse gas emissions (kg CO₂/m²/year), and energy rating (A-G).

The DPE, introduced in France in 2006, aims to improve building-sector energy efficiency and was part of EU efforts to lower carbon emissions.

Initially informative, the DPE gained legal requirements over time, starting with displaying ratings in ads, and now (since 2021) directly restricting rentals of poorly-rated properties (E, F, or G).

A letter grade (A to G) summarizing a building's energy performance by analyzing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Improve building energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by setting standards and enforcing energy ratings for better transparency.

Suggestions within a DPE report outlining ways to enhance a building's energy efficiency, such as insulation upgrades and renewable energy integration.

A landlord with a low-rated building (F in Lyon, by 2025) faces mandatory improvements to meet legal efficiency standards.

Energy Consumption, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Energy Rating, and Improvement Recommendations are the crucial parts of a DPE report.

A French energy performance certificate that assesses a building's energy efficiency. Provides a general energy rating.

A comprehensive energy analysis of a building, identifying energy inefficiencies, and suggesting practical improvements.

A rating system (A-G) for housing energy performance based on consumption and CO2 emissions.

The highest energy efficiency class, with extremely low energy consumption.

The lowest energy efficiency class, indicating high energy consumption.

Improvements or upgrades required to meet energy efficiency standards.

Rules in France concerning mandatory energy audits based on building size and energy efficiency class.

Multi-unit residential buildings requiring energy audits.

Buildings in energy classes E, F, or G that may require energy audits.

Gathering information on energy use, insulation, and systems.

Physical assessment of insulation, windows, and systems.

Building energy simulation to predict energy consumption.

Outlined steps to improve energy efficiency with cost estimations.

Government incentive programs for renovations/energy efficiency improvements.

Unit used to measure energy consumption per square meter of a building annually.

Unit of measure describing a building's carbon dioxide emission.

French building thermal regulation (2012), focusing on energy efficiency of new buildings by setting maximum energy consumption limits.

French building environmental regulation (2020), expanding on RT 2012 to include carbon emissions and renewable energy.

Primary energy consumption limit (kWh/m²/year) set in RT 2012 for new buildings.

Reducing the amount of energy used by a building.

Release of carbon dioxide during building operation and construction.

A building that consumes close to zero energy, often using renewable energy.

Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, like solar or wind.

Carbon emissions associated with the production and transportation of building materials.

Classification of a building's energy performance, used in real estate transactions.

Diagnostic de Performance Energétique (France): Energy Performance Diagnosis, assessing a building's energy efficiency.

A building that produces more energy than it consumes, often via renewable energy sources.

Ensuring pleasant indoor temperatures and conditions for occupants.

The exterior walls, roof, and windows of a building.

French environmental conference that led to the RT 2012 legislation.

The ability of a building to efficiently prevent air leakage that reduces energy efficiency.

Heating systems where each building unit has its own gas boiler.