Aiming for positive energy (E+)

Because the energy signature is an essential criterion in building design, the efforts made to date in response to heat energy regulation changes should be pursued. It is still vital that we aim to make “positive energy” buildings, even if this theoretical difference between the energy respectively produced and consumed does not correspond in strict terms to the actual behaviour of the building.

The thousands of square metres we design every year have enabled us to obtain significant return on experience. Thus, we can certify that the best performances are almost always those which step outside the pure regulatory framework and require direct discussions with lawmakers or require investment which may (mistakenly) appear to be unreasonable in view of the issue at stake. This is all the more true in that the E3C2 goal (“E3” for level 3 energy-saving, “C2” for level 2 low carbon emissions), in a dense environment such as those of metropolitan areas, is pretty much the highest one can aim for, given today that the highest standard, E4C2, remains restricted to small surface area pilot operations on sites where there is an abundant supply of renewable energy.

In spite of these obstacles encountered during the design of the first E3C2 buildings, we are convinced that we are heading in the right direction and that the change in paradigm caused by RE 2020 will truly and at long last encourage low carbon construction.