Decoding France’s RE2020: how can international companies stay ahead of regulatory changes?

The global construction industry is facing a wave of regulatory changes designed to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Among them, France’s RE2020 (Réglementation Environnementale 2020) stands out as one of the most ambitious frameworks in Europe. This regulation has redefined the way buildings are designed, constructed, and operated, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and sustainability.

For construction companies, RE2020 is a strong example of how regulations can drive more sustainable practices across our industry, and enforce new requirements that demand to quickly - and fully - adapt to new ways of doing for professionals. It is not just about meeting legal requirements - it’s about future-proofing operations and gaining a competitive edge.

How can international business draw lessons from the French example? And how can they adapt effectively to more ambitious regulations?

Understanding RE2020: the key requirements

RE2020 builds on the previous RT2012 regulation and sets new, more stringent requirements for energy performance and carbon emissions. Its core objectives include:

• Reducing carbon emissions: a focus on embodied carbon (emissions from materials and construction processes), requiring companies to consider the full lifecycle impact of buildings.
• Improving energy efficiency: new buildings must consume even less energy, favoring passive design, renewable energy, and efficient insulation.
• Enhancing comfort & sustainability: measures to mitigate overheating due to climate change and promote the use of low-carbon materials.

Why RE2020 matters for businesses and manufacturers

With the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and France’s national push toward carbon neutrality, regulatory pressure is intensifying. Companies that fail to adapt risk compliance issues and reputational damage. On the flip side, early adopters stand to benefit from:

• Competitive advantage: non-French companies that integrate RE2020 requirements into their projects can position themselves as leaders in sustainable construction.
• Attracting investors & clients: sustainability is now a key criterion for investors, developers, and end-users. Demonstrating RE2020 compliance can enhance credibility and market appeal.

How can international companies stay ahead of upcoming regulations?

1. Integrate carbon assessments early in their process
   Companies should implement Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) from the design phase  to minimize embodied carbon by testing conception and materials options. Tools such as the ones of Vizcab can help simplify this process.
2. Adopt low-carbon materials & construction techniques
   Explore bio-based materials (such as wood or hemp), recycled or reused materials, and prefabrication methods to reduce carbon impact while maintaining quality and efficiency.
3. Leverage digital tools & data
   Invest in BIM (Building Information Modeling) and carbon tracking software to ensure compliance and streamline decision-making.
   
4. Stay informed & engage with experts
   Regulations evolve, and staying ahead requires continuous learning. Webinars, industry conferences, and expert consultations can provide valuable insights into best practices and upcoming regulatory shifts.

A strategic opportunity for the industry

While regulatory changes like RE2020 introduce new challenges, they also present an opportunity for businesses to lead the transition toward a more sustainable built environment. Companies that proactively integrate carbon-conscious strategies, digital tools, and low-impact materials into their processes will not only comply but thrive in the evolving landscape of construction.

By taking action today, businesses can turn compliance into a strategic advantage and build smarter, greener, and more resilient infrastructure for the future.