RT 2005 (Réglementation Thermique 2005 – regulations governing house energy consumption levels) :
 
RT 2005 aims to achieve a more efficient use of energy in buildings by reducing new-build house energy consumption levels by at least 15% compared with the benchmark set by RT 2000 regulations.

 
RT 2005 regulations apply to all new-build houses for which an application for a building permit was lodged on or after 01/09/06.

 
All buildings must meet minimum standards in terms of energy efficiency in the following areas:

• Heating, air conditioning
• Domestic hot water
• Ventilation
• Lighting

The building type is also taken into account in estimating heat loss:

• Floors
• Walls
• Ceilings
• Door and window fittings

The RT 2005 regulations encourage the use of:

• Renewable energy sources
• Bioclimatic architecture

A thermal performance study and the diagnostic de performance énergétique (DPE) (energy efficiency rating assessment) must be provided by law.

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RT 2012 (Règlementation Thermique 2012) regulations:

The new standard for thermal performance came onto the French statute book on 27/10/10.
The goals for this new thermal performance standard is to reduce energy use in homes by two thirds in comparison with RT 2005.
RT 2012 innovations: depending on the geographical area in question, energy use requirements for air conditioning, lighting and heating will be calculated using a points system, the Bbio. A certain points threshold must not be exceeded (the Bbio max).
We now consider the impact of a house in terms of energy use from the design stage on.
How can you comply with this standard?

• Boost insulation,
• Create more skylights (increasing the glassed-over surface area of the building), thus harnessing the sun’s natural heat,
• Ensure that the floor is as airtight as possible and that maximum thermal inertia is achieved,
• Comply with a ‘benchmark’ Summertime temperature: the temperature inside the house must be under this ‘benchmark’ Summertime temperature,
• The  energy consumption coefficient (energy consumed for heating/air conditioning/domestic hot water/running other electrical equipment/lighting) must not exceed 45 to 50 kW per m² per year,
• Fit the house with a heating system that uses renewable fuels,
• Systematically note down the energy used for each function (e.g lighting, heating) 
• Use a software package supplied by the state to enable you to assess your monthly energy bills.

Would you like to find out more? http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/Lancement-de-la-Reglementation.html

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The DPE (Energy efficiency rating assessment) :

The Energy efficiency rating assessment is a report detailing your property’s performance in terms of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

There is a whole raft of measures that cost nothing or practically nothing to implement and which will enable you to save energy and thus reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

 
These measures centre on:

• Heating, air conditioning
• Domestic hot water
• Ventilation
• Lighting

The DPE is valid for 10 years.

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Label HPE 2005 (Haute Performance Energétique – High energy performance standard) : 

This is awarded for a nominal energy consumption level that is 10% lower than that of the benchmark nominal energy consumption level stipulated in RT 2005 regulations.

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Label THPE 2005 (Très Haute Performance Energétique – Very High energy performance standard) :

This is awarded for a nominal energy consumption level that is 20% lower than that of the benchmark nominal energy consumption level stipulated in RT 2005 regulations.

 
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Label BBC 2005 (Basse Consommation Energétique – Low energy standard ) :

The BBC 2005 standard aims to achieve energy consumption levels that are considerably lower than the levels currently required by the law:

The standard requirement for residential buildings is set at 40 to 65 kWh of primary energy consumed per m² per year. This covers energy consumption for all purposes (heating, cooling; domestic hot water production, ventilation and lighting) and varies depending on the climatic zone as defined by RT 2005 and the height above sea level of the building.