Energy renovation 2026: comprehensive guide for project owners

1. What will change in 2026 for renovation projects: the essential summary

1.1 New obligations and national priorities

• The government is stepping up the fight against energy-inefficient buildings: since 2025, it has been illegal to rent out properties classified as G, and the requirements are being extended to properties classified as F and, gradually, E.
• For condominiums, new obligations are being implemented: completion of collective energy performance certificates, establishment of a Multi-Year Work Plan (MYWP) to plan energy improvement work in the medium term.
• The government's objective is clear: several hundred thousand homes must be renovated each year to meet the 2030/2050 targets.

1.2 A changing aid and financing framework

• Aid schemes such as MaPrimeRénov’ and energy saving certificates (CEE) are at the heart of the renovation strategy.
• However, these subsidies are being revised: from 2026 onwards, the "per measure" approach (targeted work) will remain possible, but adjustments to the scales, eligibility conditions, and prioritization of the most energy-intensive housing (classes E, F, G) will alter the balance.
• In this context, planning, the accuracy of an energy audit, and project structuring (performance targets, type of work, upgrading) become crucial factors in maximizing assistance and securing return on investment, hence the importance of early planning.

1.3 Increased demands on overall performance and construction quality

• Renovation is no longer just about thermal efficiency: it must aim for overall performance: energy efficiency, comfort, carbon reduction, and sustainability.
• To benefit from subsidies and ensure the sustainability of the work, it must be carried out by certified companies (RGE label, Reconnu Garant de l’Environnement): in 2026, controls will be tightened.
• All aspects (materials, implementation, indoor air quality, thermal comfort, hygrothermics) must be integrated from the project design stage.

2. Anticipate early: the five major risks for project owners and specifiers

1. Delays or cost overruns due to insufficient preparation: Without a reliable audit and clear objectives (performance, comfort, budget), the project may go off track, require costly adjustments, or miss out on funding opportunities.
2. Inconsistencies between objectives, actual uses, and chosen materials/solutions: Poorly suited insulation, incorrect sizing, and failure to take ventilation or hygrothermics into account can compromise comfort and durability.
3. Loss of subsidies or ineligibility due to non-compliance (technical or administrative): Poorly prepared application, non-certified company, failure to meet criteria (performance, label, energy performance certificate), all of which are grounds for rejection or reduction of subsidies.
4. Shortage of skilled labor or companies: Demand for renovation is skyrocketing, but the number of RGE-certified companies remains limited: without advance planning, there is a risk of delays, long wait times, or even an inability to find competent service providers.
5. Discrepancy between performance "on paper" and actual performance after work: Without follow-up, monitoring, or post-construction checks, the expected energy savings may not materialize, undermining the credibility of the project, comfort, and expected savings.

3. The 6 major strategic decisions to be made before launching a project in 2026

1. Clearly define your performance objectives
   • Target level (energy savings, energy gains, winter/summer comfort, carbon reduction, occupant comfort).
   • Based on a rigorous energy audit, ideally carried out by a competent design office or project management consultant.
2. Choosing the right materials and technical solutions
   • Bio-based insulation materials combining thermal performance, inertia, air quality, humidity control, and carbon storage.
   • Consider usage, occupancy, thermal comfort (winter and summer), health, and sustainability.
3. Deciding between phased renovation and comprehensive renovation
   • Comprehensive renovation: consistency, maximum performance, optimization of subsidies.
   • Renovation in stages: more flexible, less burdensome initially, but greater risk of compromising overall performance.
4. Anticipate the financing plan and available assistance
   • Check eligibility for schemes (MaPrimeRénov’, CEE, Éco-PTZ, etc.).
   • Build a solid case, anticipate deadlines, and ensure companies comply with RGE certification requirements.
5. Select qualified companies and prepare demanding specifications
   • Require certifications (RGE), references, guarantees, and adequate documentation (technical specifications, detailed estimates, implementation plan, site hygiene, quality control).
   • Include performance, quality, durability, comfort, and compliance requirements in the specifications.
6. Plan for performance monitoring after completion of work
   • Establish indicators (consumption, comfort, post-work audits, occupant feedback).
   • Ensure traceability and maintenance, and verify that the initial objectives are being met, thereby guaranteeing credibility and confidence for the future.

4. Why bio-based materials (and in particular cellulose insulation) appear to be a relevant solution in 2026

• National strategies aimed at reducing carbon footprints naturally push toward low-impact materials.
• Bio-based insulation materials often offer a good compromise between thermal performance, inertia (useful for summer comfort), humidity regulation, and durability, which is well suited to the new challenges of comfort and ease of use.
• For project owners and specifiers, these materials can become a differentiating factor: by combining energy performance, carbon reduction, comfort, and compliance, they meet all 2026 requirements while anticipating future developments.

5. The crucial importance of installation quality and site compliance

• Using an RGE-certified company is now a prerequisite for accessing public subsidies.
• Installation must comply with specific standards: thickness, continuity of insulation, airtightness, moisture management, material compatibility, etc. Sloppy installation immediately compromises performance.
• For project owners and specifiers, this means that strict quality criteria must be included in the specifications, and site inspections or audits must be planned.

6. Summary checklist for project owners and specifiers

• Preliminary draft:
  • Conduct a comprehensive energy audit (performance, usage, comfort, carbon footprint)
  • Define objectives (energy, comfort, carbon) according to the type of building and its use.
  • Design technical solutions (insulation, ventilation, building envelope, materials)
• Design:
  • Choose suitable materials (insulation, bio-based)
  • Drafting demanding specifications (CCTP or equivalent)
  • Plan the budget, financing, and subsidies (CEE, MaPrimeRénov’, eco-PTZ, etc.)
• Before construction:
  • Select qualified companies (RGE certification, references, guarantees)
  • Verify their certificates, compliance, and insurance policies.
  • Implementing quality control on construction sites
  • Prepare documentation for financial assistance
• After renovation:
  • Implement monitoring of actual performance (consumption, comfort)
  • Verify that the initial objectives have been achieved
  • Maintain traceability (materials, invoices, inspections, data)
  • Consider integrating monitoring or maintenance to sustain gains