Launch of GERE
Summary for decision-makers
Summary for decision-makers
The French Energy Renovation Project Management Association (Groupement des Ensembliers de la Rénovation Énergétique), which brings together several specialized building companies, is raising the alarm about administrative hurdles hindering energy renovation in France. Currently, over €30 million worth of work is at a standstill, primarily due to delays in the approval of grant applications by the National Housing Agency (Anah) and the requirement to use the "Mon Accompagnateur Rénov'" online support platform.
These companies, which already account for 10% of national energy renovations, are calling for urgent measures: rapid approval of grant applications, optional access to the MAR scheme for qualified professionals, and centralized processing with a single point of contact. They assert that they can increase the pace of renovations if these obstacles are removed.
While many energy renovations have been halted in France, a dozen construction companies have announced the launch of GERE, the Energy Renovation Contractors Group, to request the lifting of administrative barriers to financing household renovations.
The Group that carries the voice of Energy Renovation Assemblers
The association's objective is to make the voice of private stakeholders heard by public authorities, and to advocate for emergency measures to remove the constraints that weigh on the completion of energy renovation work.
The Energy Renovation Assemblies Group brings together around ten construction companies, including Archenergie, ATRC, BCI, Groupe ABF, Groupe Weck, Homyos, Isole Plus Energies and Renov'Global' - capable of carrying out all energy-related work in a home.
Although for ten years, France has had ambitious energy renovation objectives, these companies are committed to making the wishes of public authorities in the territories a reality, by achieving 10% of the national objectives in terms of energy renovation.
Holders of several qualifications, they have acquired administrative skills to face the jungle of aid on behalf of their clients. Even though these companies are the armed wing of the government's ambitions in terms of energy renovation in France, today, their activity is at a standstill. More than 30 million euros of work has been held up by administrative blockages!
According to them, the following are the reasons: the lack of validation of large-scale renovation files by the centralized or decentralized services of the Anah. But also the obligation to use Mon Accompagnateur Rénov' (MAR) which slows down projects and duplicates skills that they already provide to their clients.
Already carrying out thousands of large-scale renovations, these companies say they are ready to increase the pace. But for this, they are calling on the Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion of France and the Minister of Housing to remove the obstacles to daily life. To know :
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unblock the large-scale renovation grant files submitted since the start of 2024;
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make MAR optional for energy renovation contractors with appropriate qualifications;
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benefit from centralized grant file processing with a single, identified contact person.
“The recent reforms to the MaPrimeRénov' scheme have not provided solutions for companies in the sector. Construction sites are blocked because the Anah (National Agency for the Renovation of Housing) does not approve grant applications. This situation can be quickly resolved by the supervisory ministers. There is no need to change the law; we just need to take action. Furthermore, we did not wait for the creation of Mon Accompagnateur Renov' to design high-quality and ambitious renovation projects. This is why we are calling on the government to take emergency measures to resolve the constraints that are preventing large-scale renovations.” says Hugues Sartre, representative of the ERE and co-signatory of an open letter sent to the government.
Frequently Asked Questions for Decision Makers
What are the main difficulties faced by energy renovation companies in France in 2024?
Companies are facing administrative obstacles, in particular the non-processing of grant applications by Anah and the obligation to use Mon Accompagnateur Rénov' (MAR), which is hindering the completion of projects.
What solutions are being proposed by private actors to accelerate energy renovation?
They are demanding the immediate release of grant applications submitted in 2024, the possibility of making support from the MAR optional for qualified companies, and the centralization of the processing of applications with a single point of contact.
What is the impact of this situation on the activity of energy renovation companies?
More than 30 million euros worth of work is currently at a standstill, which is significantly slowing progress towards national energy renovation targets.
Thematic glossary for decision-makers
Energy renovation
Work aimed at improving the energy performance of homes and buildings.
My Renovation Companion (MAR)
Mandatory system providing assistance and monitoring of energy renovation projects for individuals.
Anah
National Housing Agency, body responsible for allocating and managing public aid for housing renovation in France.