In this article, we answer the seven questions most frequently asked by RT2012-compliant professionals.
1. What is RT2012 and to whom does it apply?
Thermal regulations (or RT2012) are a French law expressing energy performance obligations for new heated or cooled buildings, such as single-family homes (and their extensions over 50 m²), as well as multi-family buildings. RT2012 is designed to encourage the construction of high energy performance or BBC(bâtiment basse consommation) buildings.
Importance of climatic zone H1a H1b H1c in RT2012
RT2012 incorporates a climate zone classification, which has a significant impact on construction and insulation requirements:
Climatic zones H1a and H1b: These zones require specific strategies to maximize energy efficiency during the winter period, including reinforced insulation and efficient heating systems such as heat pumps.
Climatic zone H3: Often characterized by an oceanic climate, this zone requires adapted approaches for summer comfort and good ventilation.
Adapting to the specificities of each climate zone encourages the use of appropriate technologies and highlights the need :
Regular updates: Standards must be regularly revised to incorporate technological innovations and meet new environmental requirements.
Installation of energy-efficient systems: The installation of systems such as heat pumps is encouraged, with incentives such as bonuses to support their adoption.
2. How do I get an RT2012 certificate?
To obtain RT2012 certification (Bbio certification), buildings must meet 3 performance requirements:
Energy efficiency or bioclimatic need (BBiomax or Bbio RT2012);
Energy consumption (Cepmax or Cep RT2012);
Summer comfort in non-air-conditioned buildings (Ticréf).
Specific requirements for zones H1a, H1b and H1c
Thermal requirements are influenced by climatic zones in France. The country is divided into eight climatic zones according to summer and winter temperatures.
climate zone details h1a h1b h1c
The RT2012 climatic zone uses a rigor coefficient to calculate the thermal requirement; i.e., the RT2012 conventional consumption base of 50 kWhEP / m² / year multiplied by the zone coefficient(a) + the altitude coefficient(b) (i.e. 50 x (a+b)).
Finally, the energy performance market is a constantly innovating sector, and the standard incorporates this evolution through its "Title V". This corresponds to a special scheme designed to enhance the value of new energy systems not yet covered by the Th-BCE 2012 calculation.
3. What are the recurring challenges of RT2012 for design offices?
The RT2012 thermal regulations apply to all building professionals and offer numerous opportunities. However, it also presents significant challenges, particularly in the areas of design and learning new calculation methods:
Errors in calculating the building's inertia: these errors can lead to energy performance below the required standards.
Lack of thermal bridges or appropriate evidence: The building's insulation and airtightness can be compromised, affecting its energy efficiency.
Certification of central air exchangers: Failure to comply with specific standards for exchangers can also be a problem.
To alleviate these difficulties, the DHUP (Direction de l'Habitat, de l'Urbanisme et des Paysages - Department of Housing, Urban Planning and Landscapes) has produced a specific RT2012 Application Guide for design offices.
Adaptations for climatic zones H1 and H3
Climatic zones H1 and H3 require specific adaptations to effectively meet RT2012 requirements:
Zone H1: Faced with harsh winters, this zone requires special measures for thermal insulation and heating systems.
Zone H3: Characterized by a more temperate, oceanic climate, this zone requires particular attention to summer comfort, avoiding overheating while optimizing natural ventilation.
4. What unique opportunities does this legislation offer?
RT2012 opens up a range of opportunities for building professionals, particularly in terms of diversification thanks to very high energy performance (THPE) equipment. Here are some of the key opportunities offered by this legislation:
Opportunities for THPE equipment :
Orientation towards environmentally-friendly equipment: The standard encourages customers to opt for equipment that promises long-term energy savings, such as :
High-performance boilers (THPE boilers),
Condensing or gas-fired boilers,
Wood or pellet stoves.
In addition to heating, RT2012 encourages the use of advanced insulation solutions, high-performance glazing and controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) systems, all of which contribute to improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
RT2012 construction bonus :
Exceeding the COS: The energy transition law for green growth of August 17, 2015 allows professionals to exceed the land-use coefficient (COS) provided for in local urban plans by 30%, provided they build constructions that demonstrate energy exemplarity. This provision offers a significant incentive to build beyond minimum standards.
Specific advantages for buildings in climatic zones H1a H1b H1c
Buildings located in climatic zones H1a, H1b and H1c benefit from specific considerations that can influence design and equipment choices:
Adaptation to extreme climatic conditions: These areas, often subject to significant climatic variations, require the use of specially adapted technologies to maintain energy efficiency throughout the year.
Energy optimization: The THPE equipment recommended for these zones makes a significant contribution to reducing energy consumption, while improving occupant comfort.
5. Who is responsible for non-compliance with RT2012 and what are the penalties for non-compliance?
So who is liable in the event of a breach: the design office or the client?
Under the law, all individuals involved in the construction project are liable to a fine of €45,000, increased to €75,000 and six months' imprisonment in the event of a repeat offence. However, the regulations are primarily binding on the building owner, who undertakes to comply with them via the RT2012 certificates to be produced when applying for a building permit, and to have them produced on completion of the work via a regulatory thermal study.
In terms of civil liability, the client may invoke the builder's liability on the grounds that the thermal underperformance of the building has compromised its intended use.
Impact of climate zones on legal responsibilities
Climate zones, as defined by RT2012, have a significant impact on specific building requirements and, by extension, on legal liabilities in the event of non-compliance:
High-energy zones: In climatic zones such as H1a, H1b and H1c, requirements are particularly stringent due to harsh climatic conditions, raising the stakes for compliance.
Consequences of non-compliance: Non-compliance in these areas can lead to more severe consequences, not only in terms of financial penalties, but also in terms of the impact on the building's sustainability and energy efficiency.
6. How can we ensure solidarity between the players involved in an RT2012 project?
The success of an RT2012-compliant project depends on good communication and information management between all stakeholders. New construction involves the collaboration of different trades, all of which have a role to play in the successful implementation of thermal requirements
a collaborative tool
allows you to stay connected during all phases of the project, easily coordinating tasks between the various players in the field, as well as precisely visualizing construction progress.
7. How can my MEP software help me design sustainable homes?
The adoption of Building Information Modeling software is essential for the design of sustainable buildings. These tools play an important role in enabling effective communication and interdisciplinary collaboration throughout the various phases of a project.
Key features of MEP software for sustainability
BIM object library: Engineering departments can take advantage of prefabricated BIM object libraries provided by MEP software. These objects facilitate precise design, reduce construction errors and minimize waste by enabling accurate prefabrication and efficient on-site installation.
Improved accuracy and reduced waste: Using these advanced tools, engineers can improve the accuracy of plans, optimize the use of materials and therefore reduce the waste generated during construction.
Trimble also supports those involved in sustainable housing construction by providing them with unique, reliable MEP content to enrich their projects with proven, high-quality parametric and graphical information to accurately visualize construction.
Optimization for climate zones H1a H1b H1c
MEP software, including that offered by Trimble, is particularly useful in climate zones H1a, H1b, and H1c, where sustainability requirements are heightened by more demanding climatic conditions. The software helps to adapt plans and systems to the specifics of each zone, ensuring that buildings not only meet minimum energy performance standards, but are also optimized for long-term comfort and efficiency.
