Energy Performance Diagnosis

From 1 July. 2024

Thermal accessories: the DPE evolves for surfaces of less than 40 m2

Publié le 26 avril 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

The method of calculating the energy performance diagnosis (EPD) will change for dwellings of less than 40 m2. An Order of March 25, 2024, amends the EPD label thresholds for these units. This measure, which is to come into force on 1er July 2024, aims to make these different thresholds fairer and to remove a number of small areas from the category of “energy sieves”.

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What is DPE?

Energy Performance Diagnosis (EPD) is a tool for estimating the energy consumption of a dwelling or building and itsassess its environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. It must be provided during sales and rentals in mainland France, except exceptions defined in the Building and Housing Code. It shall be carried out at the initiative of the owner or lessor and shall be at his expense.

The EPD displays a label on the dwelling, ranging from A (extremely high-performance dwelling) to G (extremely low-performance dwelling, also referred to as “thermal sieves”). The letter incorporates 2 criteria:

  • energy consumption;
  • the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

FYI  

the EPD shall have a validity of 10 years. Except EPDs performed between 1er January 2018 and June 30, 2021, which are valid until December 31, 2024.

New thresholds for areas below 40 m2

The Order issued on April 20, 2024, amends the label thresholds for dwellings less than 40 m2 the reference surface, and the name of the surface used in the DPE. It also updates the annual energy tariffs for the realization of EDPs in metropolitan France. The text amends the decree of March 31, 2021 and will enter into force on 1er july 2024.

He states that the area taken into account is “the reference area of the building. This area is the living space of the building, to which are added the surfaces of heated verandas and the surfaces of heated spaces for the main use of human occupation, with a ceiling height of at least 1,80 m.’

EPDs that were performed between 1er July 2021 and 1er july 2024 on housing units with a reference surface area less than or equal to 40 m2 may be the subject of a document attesting to the new EPD label. In the absence of a new certificate, the original EPD will remain valid.

This measure, which relates more particularly to small areas, aims to remove a number of dwellings from the category of ‘housing units’ heat strainers (EPD categories F and G) and lift the rental ban on these units to allow time for owners to consider renovating them. 140 000 dwellings are concerned.

Reminder

since 1er January 2023, a home located in metropolitan France is qualified as “energy decent” when its energy consumption is less than 450 kWh/m2 final energy per square meter of living space per year. Energy consumption means: heating, lighting, hot water, ventilation or cooling systems, etc.

G-rated properties will no longer be available for lease from 2025. The most energy-intensive housing units (category G+) are already affected by the rental ban since 1er January 2023.

You already have a DPE for a house of less than 40 m2

The Agency for the Ecological Transition (Ademe) proposes you to obtain a simulating your new label. Simply enter the 13-character number on your EPD in the simulator.

FYI  

new housing programs are also covered by the EPD; diagnosis is compulsory in the case of a purchase on plan; the "new EPD" is taken over by the developer and valid for a period of 10 years.

Energy audit

Since 1er april 2023, an energy audit must be carried out in the case of the sale of a residential property, an individual dwelling and a single-unit residential complex belonging to the energy classes F or G. This document complements the EPD but it does not replace it. The energy audit is a more advanced version of the EAD.

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