The Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE) is more than ever in the spotlight, and for good reason. In a report published recently, the Court of Auditors recommends urgent strengthening of controls to ensure the reliability of this tool, which has become essential in the real estate sector. Since the reform of 2021, the DPE has taken a central place in real estate transactions, influencing both the sale and rental of housing. In a context where environmental awareness is growing and increasingly strict measures are being implemented for “energy sieves,” it is crucial that this instrument meets the challenges. So, what does the Court of Auditors propose in its recommendations? How can we ensure a reliable DPE for the energy transition in France? Let us explore together the challenges and recommendations raised by this institution.
The DPE: a key tool in real estate transactions
As the conductor of the energy renovation policy, the DPE has become essential for owners wishing to sell or rent their properties. But what makes this tool so essential? If we examine the various dimensions of this diagnosis, we quickly understand that it plays a predominant role in the valuation of housing. By providing an assessment of a building’s energy consumption, the DPE allows potential buyers or tenants to make an informed choice regarding energy consumption and environmental impact.
The implementation of this diagnosis also has direct implications for legislation. With the new decree in progress, homes classified as G, considered as “energy sieves,” are gradually prohibited from being rented. By 2025, this regulation will be extended to category F, and then E in 2034. Therefore, if you are considering investing in real estate, it becomes imperative to pay particular attention to the energy label of your property. But is this tool really reliable?
Why the reliability of the DPE is essential
The question of the reliability of the DPE is crucial, both for players in the real estate market and for individuals. Indeed, trust in this tool directly impacts property prices. Several studies show that the energy label can vary the value of a property by up to 28%, defying the laws of supply and demand. This means that a slight variation in the DPE score can have a significant impact on investors. In this context, the control and regularity of diagnoses are essential.
This report from the Court of Auditors highlights flaws in the current system. The auditors responsible for verifying the diagnosticians do not seem to have the necessary resources to conduct in-depth checks. This is where the Court’s recommendations come into play, which notably propose to strengthen the training of diagnosticians and diversify control methods. It’s a bit like a teacher who, aware of the gaps in their students, decides to completely review their teaching method. But what innovations and solutions are proposed to remedy this situation?
The key recommendations from the Court of Auditors
In its report, the Court of Auditors provides a detailed inventory of improvements to be made to the DPE. Here is a summary of the most important recommendations:
- 🔍 Strengthen the training of diagnosticians to ensure a better understanding of the issues.
- 📊 Implement statistical controls to verify the consistency of the diagnoses performed.
- 🧩 Establish a professional card for diagnosticians, to ensure a regulatory framework for their practice.
- 🤖 Use artificial intelligence to detect inconsistencies in the provided values.
- 📣 Increase public information on possible recourse in case of disputes.
These recommendations aim not only to strengthen the legitimacy of the DPE but also to reassure future buyers and tenants. By improving transparency and reliability of the diagnosis, real estate market participants will benefit from greater trust, which will increase property values and encourage a smoother energy transition.
The stakeholders in the market and their responsibilities in ensuring the reliability of the DPE
When talking about the DPE, it is important not to forget the key stakeholders involved: ADEME, Engie, EDF, Cerema, TotalEnergies, Greenpeace, RTE, Bureau Veritas, Socotec, and many others. Each plays a distinct yet complementary role in the value chain of energy performance. These organizations have the capacity to influence practices in the real estate sector.
Take ADEME, for example. This public organization aims to support the energy transition in France. With its expertise, it can provide tools and training to raise professionals’ awareness of the issues related to the DPE. Furthermore, partnerships with companies like Engie and TotalEnergies help facilitate access to relevant information on renewable energies and the improvement of energy performance of buildings. So how can each stakeholder contribute to the reliability of the DPE?
Commitments of partners for better energy performance
Here’s how the main stakeholders can engage to optimize the reliability of the DPE:
- 🎓 Offer continuing education for diagnosticians, to keep them informed about the latest legislation and tools.
- 🌱 Develop innovative solutions to improve the energy performance of buildings.
- 📈 Collaborate with Cerema for defining technical standards, to ensure the harmonization of practices.
- 📊 Create common databases for better transparency on diagnostics.
- 💡 Encourage citizen initiatives by informing the general public about the importance of energy diagnoses.
Each stakeholder, by taking their share of responsibility, contributes to the enhancement of the DPE’s reputation. This helps create a virtuous circle where transparency and reliability go hand in hand, especially in such a dynamic sector as real estate.
The economic and environmental impacts of the DPE
Beyond its function in real estate transactions, the DPE plays a crucial role regarding economic and environmental issues. The impact of buildings’ energy performance on energy consumption and, consequently, on the environment, is unprecedented in our quest for a sustainable economy. This diagnosis contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the development of renewable energy.
Indeed, encouraging investment in better energy performance can stimulate the local economy. According to some estimates, an investment in energy renovation could generate billions of euros in employment in the building sector. However, to support this dynamic, a reliable and well-applied DPE is essential. Whether through the establishment of standards or encouragement to use renewable resources, the question of impact must be at the heart of the concerns of political and economic leaders.
Green economy: a lever for the real estate market
Here are some positive effects of a strengthened approach to the DPE on the economy:
- 🌍 Reduction of carbon emissions, promoting environmental awareness.
- 💰 Better value of real estate, thanks to improved energy performances.
- 🏢 Creation of new jobs in the renovation and construction sector.
- 📈 Stimulation of investments in renewable energy.
- 🔧 Improvement of implementation timelines for construction projects through clearer regulations.
In summary, a reliable DPE is not just a legal obligation; it is also an economic and environmental imperative. By equipping itself with the means to implement a true policy of control and training, France can transform its real estate stock into a major asset in the fight against climate change.
FAQ about the DPE and the recommendations of the Court of Auditors
What is the DPE?
The Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE) is a document that assesses the energy consumption of a housing unit. It has become essential when selling or renting.
Why strengthen the control of DPEs?
Control enhances the reliability of diagnoses, thus preventing abuses and ensuring consumers have precise information about the energy performance of homes.
What are the main axes of the recommendations from the Court of Auditors?
The Court of Auditors proposes to strengthen the training of diagnosticians, establish a professional card, and introduce statistical controls for better consistency of diagnoses.
How can real estate market players act?
Various partners, such as ADEME, Engie, or EDF, can commit to offering training, developing innovative solutions, and informing the general public.
What measures have been put in place to strengthen the reliability of the DPE?
The measures include statistical controls, the use of artificial intelligence to detect inconsistencies, and a general strengthening of the rules governing diagnosticians.
