Energy renovation: the insulation sector warns about changes to MaPrimeRénov'

Insulation is at the heart of the industry's concerns.

Representatives of the main manufacturers and industrialists of insulation believe that several decisions currently being considered by the Government call into question the place of housing insulation in public policies for energy renovation.

According to the signatory organizations, these changes come at a time when the need to adapt buildings to heat waves and periods of extreme cold is becoming increasingly critical. They believe that the announced measures risk slowing down the most accessible renovations for households while weakening energy consumption reduction targets.

Three regulatory changes deemed unfavorable to insulation work

Professional organizations point to three measures which, according to them, converge towards the same effect.

The first concerns the announced exclusion of attic and roof insulation from the MaPrimeRénov' grants dedicated to so-called "single-action" renovations. They point out that the roof accounts for up to 30% of a home's heat loss , making it a priority area both for limiting heating needs and reducing summer overheating.

The second point concerns the evolution of the primary energy conversion factor for electricity. The signatories believe that this change would automatically improve the energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of many homes without any work being carried out, any actual reduction in consumption, or any improvement in thermal comfort.

Finally, they are concerned about a relaxation of the rules relating to the rental of energy-inefficient properties, which they believe could postpone certain renovation projects that are nevertheless considered necessary.

An expected impact on the thermal comfort of homes

For professionals in the sector, thermal insulation no longer only addresses heating needs in winter. It also helps to limit overheating phenomena observed during heat waves, which have become more frequent.

They believe that removing attic and roof insulation work from the MaPrimeRénov' aid would limit households' access to one of the most readily available investments to sustainably improve housing comfort while reducing energy costs.

The organizations also emphasize that low-income households, particularly those owning older, poorly insulated homes, would be among the first affected by these changes. Tenants could also continue to live in substandard housing, both in summer and winter, even if their energy efficiency rating changes.

An industrial sector that calls for greater stability

Beyond the consequences for households, organizations are warning about the repercussions for the French insulation industry.

They point out that the sector represents nearly 6,000 direct jobs spread across some sixty production sites in France, in addition to approximately 70,000 skilled jobs in installation, implementation and renovation activities.

According to them, the succession of regulatory changes creates uncertainty for manufacturers, tradespeople, and construction companies. This instability could hinder investment, recruitment, and training efforts, while also maintaining a wait-and-see attitude among individuals before undertaking any work.

"No household will confidently undertake renovations when the rules change every year. No company will make a long-term investment when the regulatory framework is challenged annually."

The signatories specify that they are not asking for increased public aid, but for a clearer and more stable regulatory framework to allow professionals and households to plan their investments over the long term.

By bringing together several representative organizations of insulation manufacturers, this appeal reflects the concerns of a segment of the industry regarding the ongoing decisions on energy renovation. The final decisions concerning MaPrimeRénov' and other regulatory changes will be closely watched by tradespeople, renovation companies, manufacturers, and project owners committed to improving the energy performance of buildings.