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A major expansion of environmental regulation
Since July 2026, France’s Environmental Regulation 2020 (RE 2020) now applies to 13 new categories of buildings, marking a decisive step in the construction sector’s ecological transition. Cerema (France’s centre of expertise on risk, environment, mobility, and planning) is supporting this rollout by providing technical tools and guidance to professionals and project owners.
Which new building types are covered?
Buildings now subject to RE 2020 include:
- Educational buildings (primary schools, middle schools, high schools)
- Office buildings
- Retail premises
- Hotels and restaurants
- Sports facilities
- Healthcare buildings
- Light industrial buildings
- Warehouses
- Agricultural buildings
- Performance venues
- Places of worship
- Transport buildings
- Public service buildings
This expansion aims to cover nearly all new-build buildings, except those already governed by specific regulations (such as ICPE-classified industrial facilities).
RE 2020’s reinforced objectives
RE 2020 pursues three main goals:
- Reduce the carbon footprint of buildings across their full life cycle (construction, operation, demolition)
- Improve energy performance by requiring positive-energy buildings (BEPOS)
- Ensure summer comfort in the face of heatwaves, a critical issue on the French Riviera
For the new categories, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption thresholds are tailored to each building type, with requirements phased in progressively through 2031.
Cerema’s role: essential technical support
Cerema provides professionals with:
- Educational fact sheets explaining requirements by building type
- Updated calculation tools (the RE 2020 calculation engine)
- Online training courses and webinars
- A best-practice guide for bioclimatic design
In the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, where heat and drought are pressing concerns, these resources help architects, design firms and builders integrate suitable solutions (sun shading, natural ventilation, bio-based materials).
Impact for property owners and professionals on the Côte d’Azur
For property owners: any new-build project (a single-family home, an apartment building, an office, a shop) must now comply with RE 2020. The result is healthier, more energy-efficient buildings better suited to the Mediterranean climate. Over time, compliant properties will hold stronger resale value.
For professionals: this expansion requires updated skills and tools. Thermal engineering firms and architects must master the new requirements for each building type. Cerema offers dedicated training sessions in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments.
Conclusion: a regulation in motion
The expansion of RE 2020 to 13 new building categories marks a major step forward for sustainable construction. Cerema plays a key role in easing this transition by offering high-quality technical support. As a building expert and surveyor, I recommend consulting Cerema’s resources and training on the new requirements to stay ahead of inspections and add value to your projects.
For any questions about applying RE 2020 to your projects on the Côte d’Azur, feel free to contact me.
Cassini Expertise – Building Expert and Surveyor
📅 Updated on 07/08/2026 – By Cassini Expertise, independent building expert serving the Alpes-Maritimes (06) & Var (83). Free quote: 04 22 46 06 04.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the extended RE 2020?
The extended RE 2020 is an evolution of France’s environmental regulation that now includes 13 new building categories, such as gymnasiums, hospitals, and swimming pools. Cerema supports this expansion by providing technical data and calculation methods.
What are the 13 new categories included?
The 13 new categories cover tertiary and public buildings, such as healthcare facilities, sports facilities, and performance venues. The full list is available on Cerema’s website, which helps with applying the requirements.
How does Cerema support the extended RE 2020?
Cerema provides guides, simulation tools, and training to help professionals meet the new regulation. It also offers technical expertise on construction and energy solutions.
Survey carried out by Frédéric Faucouneau, independent building expert – Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes (06), Var (83), Bouches-du-Rhône (13). Find out more
📅 Last updated 02/11/2026 - Cassini Expertise, independent building expert – departments 06, 83 and 13.