Energy efficiency in buildings: can France set an example?
Olivier Peyrat, CEO of the AFNOR group, answered questions from J3E’s special COP 21 magazine. A river interview is available here, in which we discuss the solutions offered by voluntary standards and certification to improve the energy performance of buildings.
J3E: How is the AFNOR group deeply involved in the energy performance of buildings?
Olivier Peyrat – “First of all, it should be remembered that within the AFNOR group, the standardization activities carried out by the association have historically worked alongside the construction industry! Whether we’re talking about air filters, sanitary appliances, flooring, gas meters or electricity, every component of a building, down to the smallest detail, is governed by French, European or international standards, drawn up by all the players concerned and designed to issue recommendations on quality, operating safety and consumer safety. Similarly, the French NF DTU standards for the implementation of construction works, the European standards for construction products and the Eurocodes standards for the design of construction works have been part of the rules of the trade for decades. They are invaluable points of reference for those involved in the act of building, as a guarantee of quality, safety, assistance in implementing regulations and support in terms of insurance. AFNOR’s involvement is therefore not new, and is designed to address the major issues at stake in these activities.
What would be the consequences, for French building professionals, of being absent from standardization on the theme of energy transition?
O. P. – “Let’s go back to the sources of the standard. First of all, it’s worth recalling the distinction between AFNOR standards and regulations. AFNOR standards are essentially voluntary. Some of these have been made mandatory by regulation. But 98% retain a voluntary, contractual status. Standards are often an appreciated reference even outside the construction industry. Insurers in the event of a claim, and judges in the event of a dispute, do not hesitate to refer to them. They are therefore central to the construction industry.
The “Energy performance of buildings” coordination group set up within AFNOR has been tasked with proposing an optimal organization of the French standardization system to deal with energy issues in construction. This mission led to the reorganization of the “Indoor environment design and energy performance of buildings” standardization committee ( AFNOR/P529 ). This new organization is now better placed to help French stakeholders put forward their individual and collective points of view in a national, European and international context.
Cutting ourselves off from this kind of reflection would mean, first and foremost, missing out on technologies, the dissemination of innovations and the state of the art, in a field where approaches and methodologies are not all tried and tested, and are moving very fast. It would also mean giving up a certain form of competitive advantage at European and even international level, and a powerful national standardization strategy aimed at safeguarding French collective interests. Last but not least, it would mean playing in a limited arena, that of the strictly national market, even though France, given its strengths in the field of energy performance, could aim to set an example!
