When renovating, insulation work is governed by thermal regulations. These regulations set minimum thermal performance requirements for insulation work, depending on the walls and geographical area. However, some financial assistance for insulation work requires thresholds higher than those set by these regulations. Finally, the regulations also make thermal insulation work mandatory for certain types of major renovation work. We have therefore compiled this information in our comprehensive guide, which tells you everything you need to know about the regulations governing thermal insulation work during renovation.
Thermal insulation work: what are the regulations?
When carrying out thermal insulation work, the thermal regulations defined in the decree of May 3, 2007, amended by the decree of March 22, 2017, must be complied with. These regulations apply to existing buildings and specify the minimum thermal characteristics and energy performance requirements that must be met. The regulatory requirements described above are the minimum performance levels required by the regulations for the thermal renovation of housing (particularly during insulation work).
However, higher performance criteria are possible and sometimes even required in order to obtain certain financial assistance: these elements are also detailed in this comprehensive guide to regulations for thermal insulation work.
1. Work to improve thermal insulation
Carrying out energy renovation workimproves a home'sthermal insulation, reducing the cold wall effect and maintaining a stable temperature inside the building. Good thermal insulation reduces energy loss and therefore the need for heating and/or air conditioning. Thermal renovation work therefore leads to energy savings.
1.1 Work to insulate the roof (attic), walls, and floors
1.1.1 What work for which walls?
Regulations governing thermal renovation apply as soon as you begin work to improve insulation or renovate the exterior of your home. They apply to all types of roofs, as well as terracotta or concrete floors, and walls made of industrial bricks, industrial concrete blocks, poured concrete, or metal cladding. Other types of walls are not yet subject to these requirements. In all cases, it is mandatory to maintain existing air inlets in the walls or to install them if the main room is not ventilated.
The regulations cover work related to interior or exterior insulation, whether for minor repairs or major renovations.
Exemptions are provided if the work alters the appearance of the building in a manner that is incompatible with the requirements for heritage sites, the surroundings of historic monuments, listed or classified sites, or urban planning regulations. The work is also exempt from the regulations if it is carried out in response to special circumstances such as natural disasters or acts of vandalism.
Definitions:
- Thermal resistance R: this expresses the ability of a material or wall to resist heat flow. It depends on the thermal conductivity (lambda) and the thickness of the material or wall. The higher the thermal resistance R, the more insulating the material/wall is. Its value is given inm2.K/W.
- Interior insulation (ITI): this is the most common method. It can be done room by room but takes up living space.
- External insulation (ITE): this covers the entire building and does not affect the living space. It improves thermal comfort in summer and can be installed without disrupting daily life during the work.
- A concrete wall: it is poured into its final location in the building, in a formwork called a "formwork."
- A lost attic: this is the uninhabitable space under the roof. Insulation is installed on the floor.
- A converted attic: this is the space under a roof that has been converted into a living space. The insulation is placed under the roof rafters.
- A low floor: this is a floor above a crawl space, garage, basement, etc.
1.1.2 Thermal regulation requirements for wall insulation work
Thermal regulations set minimum performance levels to be achieved in terms of thermal resistance (R), measured in m².K/W. These levels vary according to climate zones and the type of walls to be insulated.
Minimum thermal resistance values R of the insulated wall
, valid from January 1, 2023 (m2.K/W):
| Wall type | Climate zone H1 | Climate zone H2 s (H3 > 800m altitude) | Zone climatique H3 (< 800m d’altitude) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior wall, roof slope >60° | 3,2 | 3,2 | 2,2 |
| Wall in contact with an unheated space | 2,5 | 2,5 | 2,5 |
| Low floor opening onto the outside or onto an unheated room | 3* | 3* | 3* |
| Attic floors | 5,2 | 5,2 | 5,2 |
| Toiture de pente <60° | 5.2 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Flat roof | 4.5*** | 4.3*** | 4*** |
*R = 2.1 possible to adapt the thickness of insulation required to the available headroom if this is limited by another regulatory requirement.
** R = 4 possible if the reduction in living space is greater than 5% due to the thickness of the insulation.
*** R = 3 possible in the following cases: the thickness of the insulation requires a change in the door and window frames, or a raising of the guardrails or technical equipment, or the thickness of the insulation no longer allows compliance with the minimum heights for rainwater drainage and flashings, or the thickness of the insulation and the type of insulation used exceeds the permissible limits of the structure.
For example, your work complies with regulations if you insulate or have your unused attic space insulated with 28 cm of cellulose insulation France blown cellulose insulation (i.e., 22 cm thick after settling).
1.1.3 Minimum thermal resistance for wall insulation
To comply with regulations, the insulation installed must enable the wall + insulation assembly to achieve at least the required thermal resistance value. The wall alone has a certain thermal resistance, but it is generally low compared to that of the insulation. If insulation is already present before renovation work begins and its thermal resistance is unknown, it can be calculated as follows:
- For polyurethane foam and extruded polystyrene, multiply the thickness of the insulation (in cm) by 0.33.
- For bio-based insulation materials, use the inverse of the thermal conductivity values in W/(m.K) indicated in Appendix IX of the Decree of October 26, 2010 (thermal characteristics and energy performance requirements for new buildings and new parts of buildings).
- For other types of insulation, multiply the thickness of the insulation (in cm) by 0.25.
Insulation interrupted by a frame is less effective than continuous insulation. This reduction in performance must be taken into account in calculations: if the frame is made of wood, consider 80% of the R-value indicated or calculated; if it is made of metal, consider only 50%.
It is also crucial to prioritize areas with the greatest heat loss, for example, by insulating the roof before replacing the windows.
2. Regulatory requirements for thermal insulation work
In the interests of efficiency and cost reduction, regulations require thermal insulation work to be carried out as part of certain types of work (Decree No. 2016-711 of May 30, 2016). This is the case, for example, for facade renovation, roof repair, or the conversion of premises to make them habitable. Insulation work is therefore included in major building renovations.
2.1 What does the decree of May 30, 2016 say?
The regulations specify the cases in which thermal insulation work is mandatory when carrying out major works. The constraints for occupants and the costs inherent in this type of operation are then concentrated in a single intervention, which allows for savings and streamlines the preparation of administrative files, the installation of the site, its organization, waste management, etc.
Certain types of work are particularly well suited to the joint installation of high-performance thermal insulation, as once completed, these elements will not be renovated again for many years.
This is particularly the case for:
– façade renovations;
– roof repairs;
– conversions to increase living space.
Thus, the regulations imposed by the decree of May 30, 2016, in application of the Energy Transition for Green Growth Act, require that work to improve the thermal performance of a building (particularly insulation) be carried out in conjunction with major renovation work, since January 1, 2017.
2.2 Regulations: which types of work are subject to thermal insulation requirements?
a. Facade renovation
For certain buildings (constructed from industrial materials), in the event of major facade renovation, regulations require that thermal insulation be installed at the same time. Logically, this insulation is installed from the outside at the same time as the renovation work, but the owner may, if they wish, comply with the requirement by installing insulation from the inside. Please note that certain conditions must be met in order for the insulation to be suitable for the facade renovation and for it to be cost-effective.
- Buildings concerned: individual and collective residential buildings and tertiary buildings (offices, educational establishments, hotels, shops) located in mainland France.
- Facades concerned: facades consisting of more than 50% terracotta, concrete, cement, or metal surfaces. The regulations therefore apply to facades made of industrial (non-handcrafted) bricks, poured concrete, cinder blocks, single-wall bricks, or metal cladding (walls mainly composed of industrial materials with hygrothermal properties that differ from those of traditional buildings).
- Renovations concerned: renovations affecting more than 50% of the facade and consisting of either removing and redoing the existing coating, or adding or replacing cladding on the facade.
- Preliminary steps: Conducting an energy audit is recommended and sometimes mandatory for residential buildings before undertaking thermal renovation. A preliminary declaration must be submitted to the local authorities for all buildings planning to install exterior insulation.
Performance requirement:
Thermal regulations applicable to existing buildings require that walls (wall + insulation) in contact with the outside must, after renovation, have a minimum thermal performance R, the values of which since January 1, 2023 are (inm2.K/W):
| Opaque wall type | Climate zones H1, H2, H3 (> 800 m altitude) | Zone climatique H3 (< 800m d’altitude) |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior wall | 3,2 | 2,2 |
| Wall in contact with an unheated space | 2,5 | 2,5 |
b. Roof repair
When carrying out major roof repairs, it may be mandatory to install thermal insulation at the same time. This insulation can be installed in the attic, which is particularly recommended when renovating old buildings. However, the regulations provide for exemptions to this obligation in the event of technical, legal, architectural, or economic constraints.
- Buildings concerned: individual and collective residential buildings and tertiary buildings (offices, educational establishments, hotels, shops) located in mainland France.
- Renovations concerned: insulation work is mandatory if the roof is being renovated (removal of the existing roof and replacement with a new roof) or if a roof overlay is being installed; if the renovation covers more than 50% of the roof (excluding openings).
Performance requirement:
After completion of the work, the roof (wall + insulation) must have a minimum thermal performance with the following R values (inm2.K/W):
| Opaque wall type | Climate zones H1, H2, H3 (> 800 m altitude) | Zone climatique H3 (< 800m d’altitude) |
|---|---|---|
| Attic floor | 5,2 | 5,2 |
| Converted attic space, roof pitch ≤ 60° | H1 = 5.2* H2 = 4.5* | 4 |
| Roof pitch > 60° | 3,2 | 2,2 |
| Flat roof | H1 = 4.5** H2 = 4.3** | 4** |
* R = 4 possible if the reduction in living space is greater than 5% due to the thickness of the insulation.
** R = 3 possible in the following cases: the thickness of the insulation requires a change in the door and window frames, or a raising of the guardrails or technical equipment, or the thickness of the insulation no longer allows compliance with the minimum heights for rainwater drainage and flashings, or the thickness of the insulation and the type of insulation used exceeds the permissible limits of the structure.
c. Increase in living space
When renovating a room to make it habitable, there may be an obligation to install thermal insulation at the same time. The regulations provide for an exemption from this obligation in the event of technical constraints.
- Buildings concerned: individual and multi-unit residential buildings located in mainland France.
- Rooms and walls concerned: the converted room may be an attic, laundry room, garage, etc. It must not be underground or semi-underground, and its floor area must be ≥5m² once the work has been completed. The walls affected by thermal regulations are opaque walls: exterior walls (only industrial brick facades, industrial concrete blocks, formwork concrete, and metal cladding of converted rooms are affected), roofs (sloped roofs or flat roofs), and low floors if they open onto the exterior or an unheated room.
Performance requirement
The opaque walls of the converted space (wall + insulation) must have a minimum thermal performance R after work, with the following values (inm2.K/W):
| Opaque wall type | Climate zones H1, H2, H3 (> 800 m altitude) | Zone climatique H3 (< 800m d’altitude) |
|---|---|---|
| Wall facing the outside | 3,2 | 2,2 |
| Wall in contact with an unheated space | 2,5 | 2,5 |
| Low floor opening onto the outside or onto an unheated room | 3* | 2,1 |
| Attic floor | 5,2 | 5,2 |
| Roof slope ≤ 60° | H1 = 5.2** H2 = 4.5** | 4 |
| Roof slope > 60° | 3,2 | 2,2 |
| Flat roof | H1 = 4.5*** H2 = 4.3*** | 4*** |
*R = 2.1 possible to adapt the thickness of insulation required to the available headroom if this is limited by another regulatory requirement.
** R = 4 possible if the reduction in living space is greater than 5% due to the thickness of the insulation.
*** R = 3 possible in the following cases: the thickness of the insulation requires a change in the door and window frames, or a raising of the guardrails or technical equipment, or the thickness of the insulation no longer allows compliance with the minimum heights for rainwater drainage and flashings, or the thickness of the insulation and the type of insulation used exceeds the permissible limits of the structure.
2.3 Regulations: in which cases does the obligation to carry out thermal insulation work not apply?
However, the regulations provide for exceptions.Thermal insulation is not mandatory when the work proves impossible or disproportionate. It is still recommended, however, as it offers many advantages: lower energy bills, increased property value, and improved comfort. Please note that in some cases, the authorities may request proof during an unannounced inspection.
If the work is disproportionate, what should be done to verify or certify this?
a. In the event of technical constraints: if the work poses a risk of damage to the building
This exemption applies to insulation work carried out in conjunction with façade renovation, roof repair, or the conversion of a room to make it habitable. In the latter case, this is the only possible exemption from the obligation to carry out work.
It is recommended that you use a professional who is competent in the areas of work to be carried out (architect, qualified design office, contractor, and craftsman). They must check whether the thermal insulation work is likely to cause serious damage to the building. If so, the obligation to carry out the work does not apply.
The professional must provide the owner with a reasoned note as proof.
b. In the event of legal constraints: in particular if the project is not compatible with urban planning regulations
In the event of insulation work being carried out in conjunction with renovation or roof repair work, the project manager or building owner must check that the project complies with local planning regulations. They must also check that the architect who designed the building (or their legal representative) does not object to the project on intellectual property grounds.
If the insulation work does not comply with the town planning regulations applicable in the municipality (Local Urban Development Plan, etc.), property law or the rules and regulations applicable to remarkable heritage sites, areas surrounding historic monuments and listed or classified sites, the obligation to carry out the work does not apply.
No supporting documents are required to prove this legal impossibility to carry out the work.
c. In the event of architectural constraints: if the work alters the architectural quality of the building
In the case of insulation combined with renovation or roof repair, an architect must verify whether exterior insulation work alters the appearance of the building and degrades its architectural quality or that of the neighborhood/district. If this is the case, the obligation to carry out the work does not apply.
The architect must provide the owner with a reasoned note as justification.
d. In the event of economic constraints: if the project is not profitable
The project is considered unprofitable if its return on investment period is strictly greater than 10 years. The calculation of this payback period is not necessary if, given the characteristics of the building, it is clear that this payback period is greater than 10 years.
If the project is not profitable, it is necessary to produce supporting documentation:
– by a professional if the calculation of the payback period is necessary;
– by the project owner if the calculation is not mandatory.
Calculating the return on investment is necessary:
In the case of insulation combined with roof renovation or repair, to calculate the payback period, it is recommended to consult a specialist, who may be:
– an RGE-qualified thermal engineering firm or an RGE-qualified economist;
– an RGE-qualified energy auditor;
– an architect;
– an I.cert-certified energy renovation expert;
– an EPC diagnostician with special mention;
– an RGE* qualified or certified company in global renovation;
– an RGE Pro qualified company in energy performance or Eco Artisan.
This professional can calculate the return on investment for the work using the method described below. If the work is not sufficiently profitable, the obligation to carry out the work does not apply. For renovations, the calculation must be carried out facade by facade: the return on investment for insulating a gable may be less than 10 years, while for the main facade it may be more than 10 years.
The professional must provide supporting documentation: they draw up a note to justify the calculation of the return on investment.
e. Cases where calculating the return on investment is unnecessary
In some cases, the calculation is unnecessary, as the payback period is then deemed to be greater than 10 years.
In the case of façade renovation:
– building constructed after 2001;
– façade insulated after 2008;
– facade already insulated to achieve a thermal resistance greater than or equal to 2.3m2.K/W*;
– building that has already undergone an energy audit (less than 10 years ago) demonstrating that insulation was not appropriate (technical, legal, architectural, or economic constraints described above);
– presence of balconies less than 1 m deep;
– insulation work requiring the identical reconstruction of existing moldings;
– insulation work requiring asbestos removal.
* For example, with 8 cm of mineral wool, 9 cm of polystyrene, 10 cm of wood fiber insulation, or 10 cm of hemp wool.
In the case of roof renovation:
– building constructed after 2001;
– roof or upper floor of the top inhabited level insulated after 2008;
– roof or upper floor of the top inhabited level already insulated to achieve a thermal resistance greater than or equal to 2.5m2.K/W **;
– building that has already undergone an energy audit (less than 10 years ago) which showed that insulation was not appropriate (technical, legal, architectural or economic constraints described above);
– insulation work requiring asbestos removal.
** For example, with 10 cm of mineral wool or polystyrene, 12 cm of wood fiber insulation, or 12 cm of cellulose insulation .
2.4 Summary table of cases where regulations make thermal insulation work mandatory or not:
| Situation making insulation mandatory | Situation that removes the obligation to isolate | |
|---|---|---|
| BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERISTICS | ||
| Building type | shops, educational facilities, hotels, offices, housing (collective or individual) located in mainland France | other cases |
| WORK AREA | ||
| Facade renovation | more than 50% (per facade, excluding openings) | less than 50% |
| Roof repair | more than 50% of the roof | less than 50% of the roof |
| Room layout | floor space ≥ 5m² after renovation | floor area ≤ 5m² after renovation |
| NATURE OF THE WORK | ||
| Facade renovation | removal and refurbishment of existing plaster or addition of cladding | cleaning, repair, and painting |
| Roof repair | repair or installation of a roof overlay | other work (demolding, waterproofing, painting, etc.) |
| Room layout | work to make the room habitable | other work |
| NATURE OF THE WALLS | ||
| Facade renovation Room layout | facades made mainly of terracotta, concrete, cement, or metal. | other cases (stones, raw earth, cob, etc.) |
| LEGAL CONSTRAINT | ||
| Facade renovation Roof repair | project with insulation compliant with urban planning documents | insulation project not compliant with urban planning documents |
| TECHNICAL CONSTRAINT | ||
| Facade renovation Roof repair Room renovation | no risk of disease | justified risk of disease |
| ARCHITECTURAL CONSTRAINT | ||
| Facade renovation Roof repair | no risk of damage to the architecture | risk of architectural deterioration justified |
| ECONOMIC CONSTRAINT | ||
| Facade renovation Roof repair | return on investment period ≤ 10 years | return on investment period > 10 years (justified by calculation or calculation unnecessary) |
| ECONOMIC CONSTRAINT: CHARACTERISTICS THAT MAKE CALCULATING THE PAYBACK PERIOD UNNECESSARY | ||
| Year of construction | before 2001 | after 2001 |
| Year of insulation | before 2008 | after 2008 |
| EXISTING INSULATION | ||
| Facade renovation | R < 2,3 m2.K/W* | R ≥ 2.3m²·K/W** |
| Roof repair | R < 2,5 m2.K/W | R ≥ 2.5m²·K/W |
| Energy audit | no audit report showing that the insulation is unsuitable | existence of an audit report showing that the insulation is not suitable |
| TECHNICAL CONSTRAINT | ||
| Facade renovation | balconies with a depth ≥ 1 m no asbestos removal, no identical reconstruction of moldings | balcons d’une profondeur < 1m pas de désamiantage indispensable, pas de nécessité de reconstituer des modénatures à l’identique |
*R < 2 m2.K/W en zone climatique H3
** R ≥ 2 m2.K/W en zone climatique H3
3. Thermal regulations: when the thermal performance of a building prevents it from being rented out
Starting in 2025, homes classified as F and G will be prohibited from being rented, encouraging major thermal renovations to achieve higher energy ratings.
The DPE rental ban applies to homes classified as F and G on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scale, which assesses a building's energy and climate performance. This assessment, which is crucial to European energy policy, aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
What are the energy efficiency criteria that will come into effect successively from January 1, 2023, then in 2025, 2028, and 2034?
The landlord must provide the tenant with decent housing. For housing to be considered "decent," the law stipulates that it must meet increasingly stringent minimum energy performance standards.
In mainland France, to be classified as "decent," a dwelling must:
- as of January 1, 2023, have energy consumption (heating, lighting, hot water, ventilation, cooling, etc.), expressed in final energy, of less than 450 kWhFE/m²/year. This consumption is estimated in the EPC (note that this is final energy consumption and not primary energy consumption);
- as of January 1, 2025, have at least an F rating on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC);
- as of January 1, 2028, have at least an E rating on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC);
- as of January 1, 2034, have at least a D rating on the Energy Performance Certificate.
These deadlines are summarized in the following table:
| Due date | January 1, 2023 | January 1, 2025 | January 1, 2028 | January 1, 2034 |
| Minimum energy performance criterion or level | Consommation en énergie finale < 450 kWhEF/m²/an | Energy efficiency class F | Energy efficiency class E | Energy efficiency class D |
| Reference texts | Article 17, Law No. 2019-1147 of November 8,2019Article 6, Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989(version in force as of January1, 2023)Decree No. 2021-19 of January 11, 2021 | Article 160, Law No. 2021-1104 of August 22,2021Article 6, Law No. 89-462 of July 6, 1989 (version in force on January1, 2025)Decree No. 2002-120 of January 30, 2002("decency" decree) | ||
| Application | Application to new leases and renewals or tacit renewals of leases | |||
Are you a homeowner or tenant? Find all the information you need at the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion.
4. Insulation work: overview of available financial assistance
There are several financial assistance programs to encourage energy-efficient building renovations: MaPrimeRénov’, energy saving certificates (CEE), zero-interest eco-loans, and local assistance programs. These programs can cover or contribute to the financing of comprehensive renovations or specific measures, such as thermal insulation upgrades. However, some assistance requires minimum performance levels that exceed the thresholds set by thermal regulations applicable to building renovations.
4.1 MaPrimeRénov’ scheme
The MaPrimeRénov’ scheme finances the installation of a carbon-free heating or domestic hot water system. In addition, other work can be carried out: thermal insulation, energy audit, removal of an oil tank, dual-flow ventilation.
More details on the France Rénov’ website .
4.2 MaPrimeRénov’ Supported process
The MaPrimeRénov’ Parcours accompagné scheme aims to encourage households to undertake ambitious renovations by financing a significant portion of the work. It is available regardless of the energy rating of the home and regardless of household income.
To be eligible for the MaPrimeRénov’ Parcours accompagné scheme, the renovation project must result in a gain of at least two energy classes on the home's energy performance diagnosis. Two insulation measures must also be included in the renovation program.
More details on the France Rénov’ website .
4.3 MaPrimeRénov’ Condominium
The MaPrimeRénov’ Copropriété scheme is reserved for work carried out on the common areas of condominiums and on private areas declared to be of collective interest. This work is voted on at condominium general meetings.
More details on the France Rénov’ website .
4.4 Loc’Avantages
Loc’Avantages is a tax scheme that allows landlords to benefit from a tax reduction provided they rent their property at a capped rent to tenants on low incomes.
Loc’Avantages entitles landlords to subsidies for renovation work on the property.
More details on the France Rénov’ website .
4.5 Energy Saving Certificates (ESC)
The Energy Saving Certificates (ESC) scheme requires energy suppliers to promote effective energy saving measures to consumers. This is a government-regulated obligation, with heavy financial penalties imposed on those who fail to comply.
More information on Energy Saving Certificates.
4.6 Reduced VAT rate
The VAT rate applied to renovation, improvement, conversion, fitting-out, and maintenance work is generally 10%. However, for energy efficiency improvement work, this rate is reduced to 5.5%.
More details on the France Rénov’ website .
4.7 Aid from local authorities
Certain regions, departments, intermunicipal authorities, or municipalities may grant additional assistance to national assistance programs for energy efficiency improvement projects.
France Rénov’ advisors can assist individuals with further information.
4.8 The energy check
The energy check is automatically allocated each year, based on household income and composition (people living under the same roof), as declared to the tax authorities.
It can be used to pay electricity or gas bills, purchase fuel oil, wood, LPG, energy renovation work eligible for MaPrimeRénov’ and carried out by RGE professionals, and heating costs indicated in the housing allowance.
No action is required to benefit from the energy check; it is automatically sent to each beneficiary based on the information provided by the tax authorities.
More details about the energy check.
4.9 Property tax exemption
Local authorities may offer an exemption from property tax on certain renovated dwellings.
More details on the France Rénov’ website .
4.10 Pension fund assistance
For retirees under the general scheme, the pension fund may grant assistance to carry out work on the home, in particular for:
- thermal insulation of living spaces,
- bathroom renovation,
- boiler replacement,
- replacement of floor coverings,
- motorization of roller shutters,
- housing accessibility.
The property may be occupied as a primary or secondary residence.
4.11 The Denormandie scheme
From January 1, 2019, until December 31, 2024, future landlords can benefit from tax exemptions when renovating properties in certain medium-sized towns.
Reference text: Decree of March 26, 2016, relating to the list of municipalities eligible for tax reduction.
4.12 Land deficit
Landlords who undertake renovation work can deduct the losses incurred by these expenses from their overall income. For energy renovation work, the ceiling for deductible expenses is doubled until December 31, 2025.
Reference text: Decree No. 2023-297 of April 21, 2023, relating to energy renovation work expenses entitling the owner to a temporary increase in the amount of the property deficit that can be deducted from their total income.
For more information:
https://www.economie.gouv.fr/particuliers/tout-savoir-deficit-foncier
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1991
4.13 Zero-interest eco-loans
The zero-interest eco-loan (éco-PTZ) is a loan with no interest and no income requirements, designed to finance energy efficiency improvements.
More information on zero-interest eco-loans and their terms and conditions: financial assistance guides for 2024 (ANAH)
4.14 Renovation advance loan
The "renovation advance" mortgage loan has been available to households since 2022 to enable them to finance energy renovation work, partly funded by a public fund. The loan is repaid when the property is sold or upon inheritance. Interest can be repaid periodically or paid when the property is sold or upon inheritance. More and more banks are offering this type of loan, so you should contact them to find out if you are eligible.
Reference text: Articles L312-7 of the CCH and Articles R312-7-1 to 7-5 of the CCH.
Others ready to learn
- The Sustainable Development Savings Account loan covers the same work as MaPrimeRénov’ as well as installation costs.
- Social home ownership loans: eligibility depends on your income and where you live.
- Loans from energy distributors.
- Home improvement loan (if you receive benefits from the Family Allowance Fund).
For more information: renovation assistance (ADEME)
5. Insulation work: what regulatory requirements must be met in order to qualify for this financial assistance?
To qualify for MaPrimeRénov’ energy renovation grants, certain technical specifications and minimum performance criteria must be met, which may differ from general thermal regulations. We recommend consulting a France Rénov’ advisor to check whether your renovation project is eligible.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE LEVELS TO BE MET IN INSULATION WORK IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE MAPRIMERÉNOV’ SCHEME:
| Minimum specifications and performance | Metropolitan France | overseas territories |
|---|---|---|
| Facade or gable walls | R ≥ 3.7m²·K/W | R ≥ 0.5m²·K/W |
| Flat roofs | R ≥ 4.5m²·K/W | R ≥ 1.5m2.K/W |
| Roof crawl spaces, attic ceilings | R ≥ 6m2.K/W | R ≥ 1.5m2.K/W |
| Low floor on basement, crawl space, or open passageway | R ≥ 3m2.K/W | |
| Attic floor | R ≥ 7m2.K/W | R ≥ 1.5m2.K/W |
THERMAL PERFORMANCE LEVELS TO BE MET IN INSULATION WORK IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE MAPRIMERÉNOV’ PROGRAM SUPPORTED PROCESS:
| Minimum specifications and performance | Metropolitan France |
|---|---|
| Attic floor | R ≥ 7m2.K/W |
| Roof crawlers | R ≥ 6m2.K/W |
| Flat roof | R ≥ 6.5m²·K/W |
| Interior walls (ITI) | R ≥ 3.7m²·K/W |
| Exterior walls (ETICS) | R ≥ 4.4m²·K/W |
| Low floors | R ≥ 3m2.K/W |
The regulations are also different when it comes to receiving assistance from energy suppliers (CEE scheme) for insulation work.
REGULATORY THERMAL PERFORMANCE LEVELS TO QUALIFY FOR ENERGY SUPPLIER SUBSIDIES (CEE) FOR INSULATION WORK:
FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS:
| For residential buildings | Metropolitan France | Overseas departments and territories1 |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation of unused attic space | R ≥ 7m2.K/W | R ≥ 1.5m2.K/W |
| Insulation of roof slopes | R ≥ 6m2.K/W | R ≥ 1.5m2.K/W |
| Wall insulation | R ≥ 3.7m²·K/W | R ≥ 0.5m²·K/W |
| Floor insulation | R ≥ 3m2.K/W |
FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS:
| For the service sector | Metropolitan France | Overseas departments and territories2 |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation of unused attic space | R ≥ 6m2.K/W | R ≥ 1.2m2.K/W |
| Insulation of roof slopes | R ≥ 6m2.K/W | R ≥ 1.2m2.K/W |
| Wall insulation | R ≥ 3.7m²·K/W | R ≥ 1.2m2.K/W |
| Floor insulation | R ≥ 3m2.K/W |
FOR INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS:
| For industry | Overseas departments and territories3 |
|---|---|
| Insulation of unused attic space | R ≥ 1.2m2.K/W |
| Insulation of roof slopes | R ≥ 1.2m2.K/W |
| Wall insulation | R ≥ 1.2m2.K/W |
| Floor insulation |
All information on standardized energy saving measures.
Please visit the ADEME website for detailed information on the regulations governing reduced VAT rates and zero-interest eco-loans, which may vary.
In short, in order to comply with thermal regulations for insulation work while remaining eligible for financial assistance (MaPrimeRénov’, MaPrimeRénov’ accompanied program, and EECs), insulation with a thermal resistance greater than or equal to the following must be installed:
Unused attic space: ≥ 7m2.K/W
Roof slopes: ≥ 6m2.K/W
Walls (ITI): ≥ 3.7m2.K/W
Walls (ITE): ≥ 4.4m2.K/W
Floors: ≥ 3m2.K/W
6. More information on regulations for thermal insulation work
For more details on thermal regulations in the context of renovating existing buildings, consult the documents published by ADEME and the guides available on official websites such as those of the French government orthe National Housing Agency (ANAH).
Insulation work in unused attic spaces is governed by DTU 45.10 (panel or roll insulation) and DTU 45.11 (loose-fill insulation). These French standards set out all the steps that must be followed to ensure compliant and durable installation, beyond the thermal performance requirements.
Check out our comprehensive guide to blowing loose-fill insulation into unused attic spaces.
This comprehensive guide to regulations governing thermal insulation work provides a clear and detailed overview of the legal requirements for improving the energy efficiency of older buildings. Thermal insulation work may sometimes be mandatory during major renovations. In addition to thermal regulations, certain financial assistance programs require higher levels of thermal performance, as is the case for insulation. Finally, last May, ADEME published its recommendations for efficient housing renovation. These recommendations may supplement the regulations on thermal renovation.
- Existing or new residential buildings in overseas France, with the exception of new buildings in Réunion constructed at an altitude above 600 m . ↩︎
- Existing or new residential buildings in overseas France, with the exception of new buildings in Réunion constructed at an altitude above 600 m . ↩︎
- Existing or new residential buildings in overseas France, with the exception of new buildings in Réunion constructed at an altitude above 600 m . ↩︎
