Real Estate: what is an Energy-Efficient Home ?

With climate change concerns and rising energy costs, the term ‘thermal sieve’ or ‘energy sieve’ has been increasingly in use in the real estate sector. It refers to a property with poor insulation and high-energy consumption, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. This article delves into what constitutes a thermal sieve and how it impacts both landlords and tenants alike.

Defining and Identifying a Thermal Sieve

What is a Thermal Sieve ?

A ‘thermal sieve’, also known as an ‘energy sieve’, refers to housing that falls short in terms of insulation standards and energy efficiency. Such properties consume excessive energy, leading to inflated power bills and substantial greenhouse gas emissions.

Identifying an Energy Sieve

To classify properties based on their energy efficiency, france implements the Energy Performance Diagnostic (DPE). From July 1st, 2021, this system categorises energy-guzzling units within categories E, f or G. As we delve deeper into the regulations surrounding these inefficient dwellings, let’s briefly consider their historical context.

Moving forward from definitions and identifications, let’s now explore the existing regulations against these energy-consuming residences.

Current Regulations Against Energy-Consuming Dwellings

The Emergence of the Term ‘Thermal Sieve’

The term ‘thermal sieve’ emerged in France around the early 2000s. However, its equivalent was already being used in the United Kingdom in the 1970s to denote ‘fuel poverty’. These thermal sieves are typically old buildings with poor insulation and outdated heating systems resulting in high energy bills.

The Climate and Resilience Law

France’s Climate and Resilience Law, expected to take effect in 2023, aims to phase out energy-consuming dwellings by 2034. This legislative move presents an investment opportunity for buyers interested in renovating these properties.

Having discussed the current regulations against energy-consuming dwellings, let’s understand how to diagnose if your property is a thermal sieve.

Energy Diagnosis: is Your Property a Thermal Sieve ?

The Role of Energy Performance Diagnostic (DPE)

In France, about 19% of main residences were classified as thermal sieves as of January 1st, 2022 – this equates to nearly six million energy-guzzling housing units. These houses often require energy renovation works to enhance their efficiency. With regulations regarding the sale of such residences evolving, an energy audit has been slated to become mandatory alongside DPE for F and G-classified buildings from April 2023.

Understanding whether your property falls under the ‘thermal sieve’ category is crucial. Let’s consider the implications for both landlords and tenants residing in inefficient buildings.

Implications for Landlords and Tenants of Under-performing Buildings

High Energy Consumption and Bills

Living in a ‘thermal sieve’ implies dealing with high-energy consumption which translates into sky-high utility bills. This situation can be particularly burdensome for low-income families and individuals who may struggle financially due to these inflated costs.

Selling or Renting Out an Energy Sieve

The proposed changes in laws would impact landlords planning on selling or renting out properties falling under categories F or G. The requirement for additional audits could potentially complicate the selling process, adding further expenses for prospective sellers.

Being caught in the cycle of an energy-consuming dwelling can be daunting. However, various renovation solutions can transform a thermal sieve into an energy-efficient home.

Renovation Solutions for Thermal Sieves

Investing in Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Properties classified as ‘thermal sieves’ could benefit from various upgrades. These may include investing in better insulation systems, upgrading to efficient heating equipment and using renewable energy resources.

The Importance of Professional Advice

To ensure optimal results from renovations, professional advice is vital. Experts in the field can identify specific areas that need improvement and suggest suitable solutions tailored to the property’s needs.

While transforming a thermal sieve sounds like a substantial investment, several financial aids are available to facilitate this process.

Funding and Support Available for Energy Renovation

National Aids and Subsidies

In France, multiple national initiatives offer financial assistance for carrying out energy-renovating works on your properties. These programmes aim to make it more affordable for owners to upgrade their houses into energy-efficient homes.

Local Assistance Schemes

Besides national funding schemes, local government bodies often provide additional subsidies and support plans. This additional aid aims at making these eco-friendly housing transformations accessible to all households across the country.

As we reach the end of our discussion on ‘thermal sieves’ or ‘energy sieves’, let’s summarise what we’ve learned so far.

In essence, a thermal sieve represents an energy-consuming housing unit due to poor insulation resulting in high-energy bills. With governmental policies aiming at phasing out these inefficient dwellings, homeowners are encouraged to invest in renovation works. Alongside these regulations, various financial aids are offered at both national and local levels to assist owners in transforming their homes into energy-efficient units. The process, despite appearing daunting initially, can prove beneficial for both property owners and the environment in the long run.