Low-carbon concrete frame: Rector certifies its RSOFT range

The new requirements of RE2020 accelerate the decarbonization of structures

Since May 1, 2026, decree no. 2026-16 has extended the carbon requirements of the RE2020 regulation to industrial and commercial buildings, with a threshold set at 840 kg CO₂ eq./m² . This regulatory change is leading project owners, design offices, and general contractors to integrate the carbon criterion earlier in the selection of construction systems.

In this context, Rector Charpentes & Structures offers RSOFT , a range of prefabricated concrete components with a reduced carbon footprint, designed for large-scale projects. The objective is to provide a solution compatible with the technical constraints of concrete structures while contributing to reducing their carbon footprint.

Two levers to reduce the carbon impact of concrete structures

The RSOFT range includes prefabricated beams , columns , precast slabs , hollow-core slabs , and fire-resistant panels . According to Rector, it can reduce the carbon footprint of the concrete structure package by up to 32% compared to standard solutions, depending on the project configuration.

This reduction is primarily based on low-carbon concrete formulations developed for each production site. The use of different types of cement, particularly CEM III and CEM IV, combined with specific binders such as slags or fillers, helps to limit emissions related to concrete production.

The second lever concerns the reinforcements. The range guarantees 100% recycled HA steels as well as a minimum of 80% recycled HLE steels , contributing to reducing the environmental footprint of the prefabricated elements.

A calculation of the carbon footprint from the initial study phase

Beyond the products themselves, Rector relies on an internal carbon calculator developed by its R&D, Quality, and CSR teams. This tool makes it possible to assess, for each operation, the carbon impact of the concrete frame package and to estimate the percentage reduction achieved with the RSOFT range compared to a conventional solution.

The calculation is based on the reference values ​​for the total GWP defined in standard FD P 18-483-2 for low-carbon concrete, as well as on the actual percentages of recycled steel used in the product manufacturing. This approach allows design teams to integrate carbon data from the execution or specification stages.

The calculation method has been verified and validated by GINGKO 21 , a firm specializing in environmental consulting. This validation provides an additional level of confidence for project managers and specifiers who wish to document the environmental performance of their projects.

A production process organized to preserve construction deadlines

The RSOFT range is manufactured using carefully controlled concrete formulations to maintain usual industrial production rates. Rector states that it is thus maintaining production and delivery times while incorporating formulations with a reduced carbon footprint.

The first phase of production is carried out at the sites in Thouars , Celles-sur-Belle (Deux-Sèvres), Dangé-Saint-Romain (Vienne) and Harelbeke , Belgium. This industrial base allows us to support construction projects requiring prefabricated concrete elements across several regions.

By combining low-carbon concrete formulations, extensive use of recycled steel, and a certified calculation tool, the RSOFT range aligns with the evolving design practices of industrial and commercial buildings. For building professionals, it provides quantified data that enables the integration of carbon emission reduction targets without altering the construction principles of prefabricated concrete structures.