RT 2020 and the mandatory crawl space: What fluid engineering firms need to know

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The RE2020, or RT2020, has transformed the construction landscape in France, emphasizing sustainability, energy efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint. Crawl spaces and controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) are at the heart of this transformation. Find out in this article how these two elements influence not only the way buildings are constructed, but also how they function, interact with their environment and improve the quality of life of their occupants.

What is RE 2020 and why was it created?

The RE 2020, or Réglementation Environnementale 2020, is an expected evolution of the RT 2012(Réglementation Thermique 2012). It is designed to represent a major turning point in the design and construction of new buildings in France. The main aim of RE 2020 is to improve the energy performance of buildings while reducing their carbon footprint.

The genesis of RE 2020

Following the implementation of the RT 2012, the French government, wishing to take its ecological ambitions a step further, has introduced the RE 2020. The initiative is part of the overall context of the Paris climate agreement and France's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The aim of these regulations is to encourage the construction of positive-energy, low-carbon buildings.

What are the main orientations of RE 2020?

RE 2020 aims to encourage sustainable and eco-responsible construction by requiring several major changes in building design, construction and performance:

  • Improved thermal insulation: RE 2020 calls for more stringent insulation requirements. This means greater insulation thicknesses (up to 20 cm in some cases) and higher-performance materials to prevent heat loss.

  • Innovative heating systems: The traditional electric radiator will be less common in new buildings. Instead, buildings will have to be equipped with heat pumps, wood-fired heating systems such as wood stoves, or other renewable heating systems.

  • Optimized ventilation: In terms of ventilation, RE 2020 insists on the use of efficient mechanical ventilation systems. To improve indoor air quality, RE 2020 recommends the use of extract units, air inlets and flexible ducts that comply with the new requirements. Design offices must therefore carry out a vmc RE2020 study prior to construction to ensure that the ventilation system complies.

  • A mandatory crawl space: The importance of a crawl space, particularly for the RE2020 ventilation protocol and thermal insulation, has been reinforced. Its standard ceiling height has also been defined to guarantee optimum efficiency.

  • Reduced carbon footprint: In addition to energy performance, RE 2020 aims to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. This concerns both the materials used and energy consumption throughout the life of the building.

Sanitary vacuum as part of RE 2020

Crawl spaces play a crucial role in modern building design, particularly with regard to the new RE 2020 regulations. These voids, often located between the ground and the second floor of a building, offer a number of advantages, such as thermal insulation and protection against moisture. In the context of RE 2020, the crawl space becomes even more essential to meet sustainability and energy efficiency standards.

Crawl space ventilation

Ventilation is crucial to the durability and efficiency of a crawl space. Good ventilation avoids the build-up of moisture, preventing mold formation and protecting foundations from damage.

Is it compulsory for new buildings?

Yes, according to RE 2020 standards, crawl spaces are generally considered mandatory for new builds. The purpose of this requirement is to guarantee better thermal insulation and healthy construction.

What are the standards for installing a crawl space?

A crawl space must meet the following four standards:

Standard 1: Preserving the durability of construction

The purpose of a crawl space is to preserve the durability of the building. NF standards specify the conditions for preventing deterioration of the concrete, thus protecting the foundations from any possible damage.

Standard 2: Ensure thermal insulation and install air vents

An RT 2005 document specifies how to calculate the ventilation surface required to guarantee optimum thermal insulation. The installation of air vents is essential, covering at least 0.05% of the crawl space surface.

Standard 3: Risk assessment for gas and water pipes

Standards consider the risk posed by gas pipes in the ground. DTU 61.1 provides guidelines for assessing this risk. In addition, sufficient space must be maintained for water pipes, ensuring their safety and accessibility.

Standard 4: Radon gas evacuation and regional standards

In some regions, radon can pose a significant risk. To remedy this, specific standards are in place to ensure adequate ventilation of crawl spaces. Evacuation of this gas is essential to the health of occupants.

Crawl space ventilation in compliance with DTU

The DTU (Documents Techniques Unifiés - Unified Technical Documents) provide detailed guidelines for ensuring proper ventilation of crawl spaces.

Ventilation measurement calculations provided by DTU standards

These calculations are essential to guarantee effective ventilation. They take into account the size, shape and configuration of the building to ensure optimum air circulation.

Optimum crawl space height

The standard recommended height for a crawl space is often 20 cm. This height can vary according to site specificities and insulation requirements.

The efficiency of dehumidifiers for crawl spaces

Dehumidifiers can be an effective solution for controlling humidity in crawl spaces. They help prevent mold growth and protect the building structure.

Why create a crawl space?

Creating a crawl space is a strategic decision when designing buildings, particularly in view of today's climatic and environmental challenges. This choice is based on practical and ecological concerns. Let's take a look at the main reasons:

Excellent thermal insulation

One of the most obvious advantages of the crawl space is its role in thermal insulation. Positioned between the ground and the second floor, it forms a barrier that considerably reduces heat transfer. This is particularly relevant in the context of RE 2020 and RT 2012, which demand higher insulation standards to ensure reduced energy consumption. This barrier also offers protection against heat loss through floors, making electric heating or heat pump systems more efficient.

Preventing rising water levels and flooding

Areas at risk of flooding require preventive measures to protect structures and occupants. The crawl space acts as a buffer against rising water, reducing the risk of flooding. Extraction vents allow water to drain easily, preventing accumulation and potential damage to the structure.

Combating the effects of soil compaction

Soil compaction is a major concern in some regions, especially those with clay soils. Over time, soil can compact or expand, threatening the structural integrity of the building. The crawl space offers safety by reducing direct pressure on the building's foundation. It thus preserves the durability of the construction by minimizing the effects of ground settlement. Air inlets and flexible ducts ensure constant indoor air circulation, helping to prevent excessive humidity and related problems.

RE2020 & VMC ventilation protocol

The RE2020, the successor to RT2012, introduces stricter energy efficiency and carbon footprint standards for new buildings. Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) plays an essential role in ensuring optimal indoor air quality while complying with these new standards.

Is VMC mandatory with RE 2020?

With the advent of the RE2020, the installation of a VMC is not only recommended, it has become a requirement to ensure adequate ventilation. This obligation aims to reduce energy consumption while guaranteeing optimum comfort for occupants.

Double-flow CMV becomes essential with RE 2020

Under RT2012, single-flow CMV was widely adopted. However, with the RE2020, the bar has been raised in terms of energy efficiency. Double-flow CMV, which recovers heat from extracted air to preheat incoming air, has become a preferred solution. Thanks to its ability to reduce heat loss, it plays a key role in meeting the new standards, particularly in colder climatic zones.

Ventilation protocol to meet RE 2020 requirements

The RE2020 ventilation protocol requires not only that buildings be equipped with CMVs, but also that these systems be correctly sized, installed and maintained. It's crucial to ensure that airflow is adapted to the needs of occupants, while optimizing energy recovery and avoiding over-consumption.

Precautions for installing a VMC compliant with RE 2020

Installing a ventilation system that complies with RE2020 requirements requires special attention. You'll need to :

  • Select a system suited to the size and configuration of the building.

  • Ensure the tightness of flexible sheaths and other components to prevent air leaks.

  • Regular maintenance and RE2020 VMC checks to ensure optimum performance over the long term.

  • Provide correctly positioned extract units for efficient air extraction.

Trimble products and RE2020 crawl space planning

Faced with the rigors of RE2020, the installation of a crawl space is essential to ensure that construction complies with the new sustainability standards. In this process, Trimble stands out for its innovative solutions, specially designed for design, modeling and project management, offering a major asset to building professionals.

Trimble Connect

Trimble Connect is much more than just a platform: it's a meeting place where everyone involved in a project, from architects to engineers to site managers, can collaborate in real time. For the installation of an RE2020-compliant crawl space, Trimble Connect enables seamless coordination between MEP experts and structural engineers, ensuring perfect harmony in the layout of key crawl space elements such as extract units, air inlets and flexible ducts.Equipped with advanced 3D visualization tools, this platform makes it possible to anticipate and resolve potential conflicts well before construction starts, ensuring that crawl space design is perfectly in line with RE2020 criteria.As RE2020 raises construction standards, Trimble is positioned as the ideal partner to ensure that these norms are not only met, but also optimized. With its tools, building professionals can ensure that every detail of the crawl space is thought through, modeled and executed with the utmost precision.

Conclusion

The adoption of the RE2020 marks a decisive step towards a greener, more sustainable future in the building sector. For fluid engineering firms, this means not only adapting to new regulations, but also innovating and optimizing every aspect of design and implementation. In this context, the integration of Trimble solutions is an invaluable asset, offering precision, efficiency and guaranteed compliance.The transition to more environmentally-friendly buildings is not just about complying with regulations. It's an opportunity to rethink the way we work, improve collaboration between the various stakeholders and take advantage of technological advances to achieve exemplary construction projects.

Are you a professional in the MEP sector looking to navigate the world of RE2020 with peace of mind? Find out how Trimble solutions can support you every step of the way. Explore Trimble products today.

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