After obtaining a building permit, it is necessary to adhere to various regulations in the design of the building. Prior to replacing the RT2020 from January 1, 2021, RT 2012 thermal regulation is one of these key building monitoring tools. And it also applies to renovation work.
Presentation of RT 2012
RT 2012 sets the maximum primary energy consumption threshold for new buildings at an average of 50kWh / m² / year. The mentioned consumption includes five uses of energy, knowing :
- heating,
- Air conditioning,
- domestic hot water production,
- lighting,
- auxiliary.
Although the requirement is fixed in absolute value, it varies depending on the climate zone, altitude and type of building. RT 2012 also innovates in terms of construction quality. By visiting the ThermiConseil website you will find all information necessary to comply with these regulations.
In addition, RT 2012 predicts that in buildings, during periods of heat, the internal temperature does not exceed a certain threshold. Up to this point, there is also a provision for recourse to renewable energy sources in single-family homes, minimum bay area, treatment of thermal bridges and air tightness.
These measures estimate that RT 2012 will contribute to a consumption reduction of 150 billion kWh, thus avoiding emissions of 13 to 35 million tonnes of CO2 between 2013 and 2020.
Characteristics of the RT building 2012
Each RT 2012 building therefore meets a variety of requirements.
For starters, due to reduced energy consumption, the housing must consume five times less than the existing stock. It was this calculation that made it possible to obtain the limit value, set at 50 kWh per square meter per year.
Then, in order to respect the principles of regulations, the building must be insulated. Thus, air infiltration is limited to a maximum. It is certain that a certified expert conducts an impermeability test. To optimize air renewal and remove excess moisture in the kitchen or bathroom, a the apartment must have a mechanical or traditional ventilation system installed. RT 2012 requires the use of renewable or alternative energy. This can be a wood stove, solar or thermodynamic boiler or microcogeneration boiler.
Finally, in order to limit the energy needs of houses, they must have a bioclimatic architecture. To do so at least 1/6 of the living space must be glazed. Buildings should be ideally oriented to the south, which will optimize solar gain in winter and natural lighting. As for the bedrooms, they must be equipped with blinds or external blinds to cool them in the summer.
Special attention must be paid to the distribution of rooms within the building. To avoid overheating in summer, the rooms should ideally face east. For its part, the living room will be located to the south. To the north, the rooms will be set up without heating. They will fulfill heat buffer function.