Homeowners in France advised how best to prepare for energy ratings
A programme of better training for energy diagnostic technicians has also been launched
The energy ratings caused controversy since properties with low ratings were banned from the rental market
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A leaflet has been made available to explain how homeowners can prepare for the property energy ratings.
It is available here while another here explains what householders should look for in their certificate.
Advice is given on how to contest the result of the diagnostic de performance énergétique (DPE) – if they disagree with it.
Read more: Make sense of new energy audits for property in France
DPE certificates have been issued since 2006 as part of house sales.
They have become more controversial since the government started banning properties with low DPE scores from the rental market and requiring others to have a new energy report when put up for sale.
A programme of better training for energy diagnostic technicians has been launched after the chaotic launch of restrictions linked to the ratings.
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Housing Minister Olivier Klein made clear that the government intends to keep the DPE system, and said: “It is starting to have an impact on property markets and give a ‘green value’ to homes, which is an excellent evolution.”
In theory, the DPE process is standardised, with technicians using a government checklist as they go through a property, noting points such as the presence of double glazing, insulation and the type of heating.
A website then uses the information to assign a score automatically.
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However, problems with the website led to a six-month delay introducing the system in 2021, and it has become apparent that technicians are using different methods to fill it out, leading to a variation in results – sometimes by as much as two grades for the same building.
Mr Klein said he would bring in new rules before the end of the year to make sure DPE trainees have practical experience before receiving accreditation.
Exams, currently set by individual training bodies, will be made national and trainers will be subject to inspections.
There will also be a push for more apprentices.
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