In force since the beginning of the year, RE 2020 has one major objective: to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction sector. To achieve this, the sector intends to develop and democratize the use of wood, but also of other biosourced materials. For joiners, carpenters and other wood craftsmen, this development is not without consequences.
Succeeding the RT 2012, the RE 2020 is the new environmental regulation applicable since January 1, 2022 for the construction of housing. His ambition? Drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by construction, one of the most polluting and energy-consuming sectors in France. It therefore concerns all construction professionals, including wood craftsmen.
Namely: 25% of CO2 emissions are attributable to the building sector in France(1).
With this in mind, the RE 2020 has three major new objectives compared to the RT 2012.
With a view to limiting the environmental impact of buildings, a solution is emerging: increasing the use of biosourced materials, including wood. Whether they are of plant origin (wood, straw, cork, etc.) or animal (sheep’s wool, for example), biosourced materials have several advantages with regard to ER 2020:
To know: More than 8 out of 10 French people trust the wood industry to reduce CO2 emissions in the construction sector and thus contribute to the ecological transition.(2).
Instead of traditional materials (cinder block, brick, etc.), the construction sector is led to make massive use of wood to comply with RE 2020 and, more generally, all biosourced materials. Beyond the growth of their activity, wood craftsmen (carpenters, joiners, etc.) must evolve in more ways than one to support this transition.
Namely: 6.5%: this is the share of wood construction in the housing market. A percentage that should increase in the short term depending on the sector (3).
(1) Environmental regulation RE2020 – Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion – 2022
(2) RE 2020: A pivotal moment for the French wood industry – CSA for the Wood Industry Strategic Committee – 2021
(3) National wood construction survey 2021 – Codifab – 2021