Environmental performance is one of the major developments in RE2020, which introduces new indicators. To reduce carbon emissions in the building sector, RE2020 measures the impact of buildings on climate change using a new index:the Icconstruction index. Launched with the RE2020 environmental regulations, the regulatory thresholds for theIcconstruction index will be tightened from January 1, 2024. Here's everything you need to know about the RE2020Icconstruction index!
What is the IC Construction Index?
As we saw in our article on measuring the environmental performance of RE2020 buildings, new indicators have emerged:theIcénergie index and theIcconstruction index. The latter represents the impact of construction products and equipment and their implementation on climate change. It is expressed in kgCO2eq/m2 of gross floor area or usable floor area. It thus represents the impact of the "components" and "construction site" contributions.
Calculation of the Construction Index (CI)
The method used to calculate theIcconstruction index is based on a comprehensive analysis of the materials used in the construction of a building, as well as their impact on the environment. It takes into account various parameters such as the origin of the materials, their manufacture, transport, use, etc. This holistic approach ensures an accurate assessment of the carbon footprint of each project.
Reference values for the IC Construction index
To comply with regulations, theIcconstruction value of a building must not exceed the value of
Icconstruction_max.
The reference values for the IC Construction_maxmoyenindex vary depending on the type of building (expressed in kgCO2 eq/m2).
| 2024 to 2027 | 2028 to 2030 | from 2031 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached or semi-detached houses | 530 | 475 | 415 |
| Collective housing | 650 | 580 | 490 |
| Offices | 810 | 710 | 600 |
| Primary or secondary education | 770 | 680 | 590 |
Icconstruction_maxmoyen is adjusted to take into account certain constraints (presence of attics, project surface area or average surface area of dwellings, impact of infrastructure, impact of parking lot
, geographical area, significant use of default data):
Icconstruction_max=Icconstruction_maxaverage× (1 + Micombles + Misurf) + Miinfra + Mivrd + Migéo + Mipv + Mided
where:
- Micombles : coefficient de modulation selon la surface de plancher de combles aménagés dans
le bâtiment. Cette modulation permet d’ajuster les exigences pour prendre en compte les
surfaces construites non habitables (h < 1m80) ;
Misurf: modulation coefficient based on the average surface area of the dwellings in the building or building section, or based on the surface area of the building or building section. Enables
to balance the efforts between small and large buildings;
Miinfra: modulation coefficient based on the impact of foundations and underground spaces in the building. This modulation allows requirements to be adjusted to take into account constraints requiring significant foundations or underground spaces (poor soil,
need to build underground parking lots, etc.).- Mivrd: modulation coefficient based on the impact of roads and various building networks.
This modulation allows requirements to be adjusted to take into account potentially high environmental impacts
associated with the presence of building supply networks
or parking areas serving the building.
Migéo: modulation coefficient based on geographical location (geographical area
, and altitude). This modulation allows requirements to be adjusted to take into account the implementation of additional measures to ensure summer comfort in the Mediterranean coastal and inland areas
.- Mipv: modulation coefficient based on the impact of installing photovoltaic panels
for office buildings with a footprint of more than 1,000 m². This modulation
allows the requirements to be adjusted to compensate for the obligation imposed on these buildings by Law No. 2021-1104 of August 22, 2021, implementing provisions to combat climate change
(in the case of choosing a renewable energy production process based on
photovoltaic panels).
Mided: modulation coefficient based on the impact of default environmental data and
flat-rate values in the building assessment. This modulation allows the requirements to be adjusted to take into account the lack of availability of specific environmental data
.
Environmental data from the IC Construction index
Environmental data relates to environmental impact indicators for a reference quantity called a "functional unit" and concerns:
– construction equipment and products (e.g., environmental performance for the manufacture and distribution of 1m2 of insulation).
– energy consumption (e.g., environmental performance for the production and distribution of 1kWh of electricity).
– water consumption and discharge (e.g., environmental performance for the production and distribution of 1 liter of drinking water).
Specific data:
In order for a construction product or equipment to be taken into account in the RE2020 calculation, it must be subject to an environmental declaration. These declarations are provided by manufacturers and must be verified by an independent third party (regulations governing the environmental declaration of construction products and equipment). A distinction is made between FDES (Environmental and Health Declaration Forms: individual or collective) and PEP (Product Environmental Profiles: individual or collective) for equipment covered by RT2012. The data provided in the PEPs for the use phase is not used.
Default environmental data:
For construction products and equipment, the DED (Default Environmental Data) is data made available by the ministry responsible for construction.
Conventional data:
They include data related to model simplification, data on energy impacts, and data on services (transportation, drinking water, wastewater, waste, refrigerants).
All data that can be used to perform an LCA within the framework of RE2020 is collected in the INIES database and can be consulted free of charge.
It should be noted that construction products or equipment resulting from reuse or a reuse operation (i.e., used again, for the same or a new purpose, in the same or another building, without reprocessing other than reconditioning, cleaning, or repair) are considered to have no impact. However, the environmental impacts of complementary products necessary for the implementation of components resulting from reuse or recycling must be taken into account.
Some ways to reduce theICconstruction index
Several levers can be activated to reduce a building'sICconstruction Index. First, the use of bio-based materials, such as wood or cellulose insulation cellulose insulation, can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the project. In addition, optimizing construction processes, reducing waste, and adopting eco-responsible construction techniques also contribute to lowering theICconstruction Index. Finally, the integration of innovative technologies such as energy-efficient heating and cooling systems ensures optimal environmental performance.
As RE2020 continues to shape the construction landscape in France, theICconstruction index is becoming an increasingly essential indicator for assessing the sustainability of buildings. Changes in regulatory thresholds between now and 20231 require close collaboration between industry players to develop innovative and environmentally friendly construction practices. Bio-based materials are becoming essential allies in achieving the RE2020 objectives in terms of environmental and energy performance, as well as summer comfort.
