At the recent Paris Olympics and Paralympics, surely I cannot have been the only sport fan closely watching the day-to-day fluctuations in the medal table? Perhaps most interestingly, would France outperform GB? Did France ultimately get the upper hand (hint: see below)?

Yet on a recent visit to France, I also considered another point of comparison. Looking at numerous car parks with solar PV overhead, an uncommon sight in the UK, it struck me that our continental neighbours are perhaps well ahead of the game in one critical area – the path to net zero commercial real estate, and in particular, regulation to “drive” that transition.   

So where, arguably, does France demand a gold medal?  Well, mandating solar is one such area, with requirements to install 30% of solar panels on any new non-residential buildings with a footprint bigger than 1,000 sq m and in coming years, install solar panels over car parks bigger than 1,500 sq m. Perhaps something to follow on this side of the English Channel? Notably, the BPF’s “Towards Net Zero: Challenges, opportunities, and policy recommendations” cited this as “best practice in action”, alongside a policy recommendation from the BPF on increasing on site renewables.

Yet perhaps the medals shouldn’t stop there. France’s Décret Tertiaire mandates energy consumption reduction in buildings over 1,000 sq m - an obligation to reduce energy consumption of 40% by 2030, 50% by 2040, and 60% by 2050. Again, cited by the BPF as “best practice in action”. All validated by data - with mandatory owner/ occupier commitments on disclosure. 

So whilst as reported by EGI ("Government moots EPC rule relaxation"), the government is looking at loosening anticipated energy efficiency targets, perhaps, as part of its “review” of those regulations, it should look over the Channel for not just inspiration, but also a reminder that it is at risk of being left behind in the regulatory “race” to net zero. 

nb final table…