CSR, a performance lever for real estate market players
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) brings together all the actions implemented by companies in order to respect the principles of sustainable development.
In real estate, this is achieved through the design and improvement of properties that respect the environment and the well-being of the occupants.
To achieve this objective, several projects must be carried out simultaneously:
Reduce the impact of construction through economical management of resources (materials, water, energy, etc.) and environmentally friendly development.
This includes the preservation of natural spaces, the promotion of soft mobility and intelligent urban densification.
Improving the living environment through materials (low tech, biosourced, etc.), reducing noise pollution and optimizing the brightness of interior spaces
Support social innovation, by involving future occupants in the design and layout of their homes.
This is done through participatory, collaborative and educational approaches.
Ecological standards and regulations for new construction
To support this strong trend in the new real estate market, several standards and regulations have been put in place.
RT2012, a key tool for improving energy performance
RT2012, in force since January 2013, regulates the energy consumption of new constructions.
It sets primary energy consumption ceilings (Cepmax) which vary depending on the geographical location and surface area of the accommodation.
This regulation promotes the use of efficient, energy-efficient equipment, such as condensing boilers or photovoltaic panels.
RE2020, a reinforced ambition in terms of eco-construction
Succeeding RT2012, the 2020 Environmental Regulations (RE2020) aims to lay the foundations for a new generation of “zero energy” buildings.
To do this, it relies on three major axes:
The energy efficiency of buildings, in order to minimize energy needs for heating, cooling, lighting and domestic hot water production.
Energy sobriety, defined by an energy consumption ceiling (Cepmax) to be respected, also takes into account the overall carbon footprint of buildings over their entire life cycle, including emissions linked to production, transport of materials, construction. , operation and end of life of buildings.
The use of renewable energies, in particular through the integration of local solar, wind or hydraulic electricity production devices.
Former Magasins Généraux district, rehabilitated by Kaufman & Broad Photo library Kaufman & Broad - Reims C2, GBL Architectes
More efficient housing thanks to ecological standards and eco-construction
Ecological standards and energy performance
Ecological standards improve the energy performance of buildings by introducing innovative practices and materials.
From the design stage, specific criteria minimize energy consumption.
Better thermal insulation and the integration of technologies such as solar panels or green roofs reduce heat loss and promote energy independence, thus limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
Combination of innovative technologies and sustainable materials
The optimization of heating (HVAC), ventilation and air conditioning systems using high-performance equipment and home automation allows precise management of energy consumption.
Smart buildings automatically adjust their operation according to the real needs of occupants, reducing energy waste.
In addition, strict controls on waterproofing and a bioclimatic design favor the use of natural light and ventilation.
This reduces the use of artificial lighting and air conditioning.
This comprehensive approach combines innovative technologies, sustainable materials and intelligent design.
It revolutionizes the way buildings consume and produce energy for more economical and environmentally friendly housing.
The choice of sustainable and renewable materials for greener new real estate
Energy standards force builders of new properties to favor durable and renewable materials.
These materials have many advantages, both for the environment and for building occupants.
Wood, a renewable resource par excellence
Wood is a material that renews itself naturally.
It is also very solid and offers remarkable thermal insulation.
These characteristics make wood an ideal material for the construction of sustainable buildings.
Recyclable and non-toxic materials
In addition to wood, new eco-responsible constructions include recyclable materials that are not toxic.
This is for example the case of cellular concrete and hemp.
These materials are more environmentally friendly than traditional materials because they do not produce waste or release harmful substances.
Heating networks powered by renewable energies
To reduce the energy consumption of new buildings, builders favor the installation of heating networks powered by renewable energies, such as biomass or geothermal energy.
These networks make it possible to provide heating and domestic hot water at a lower cost and in a more ecological way.
Green housing for better thermal and sound insulation
From an ecological perspective, new real estate favors the construction of “green” housing.
These homes integrate plants on their facades, offering aesthetic benefits while having a positive impact on the environment.
This plant presence regulates the temperature, improves air quality, and reinforces the thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings.
Quai Starlette in Strasbourg, bioclimatic design by Kaufman & Broad Kaufman & Broad Photo Library - Dominique Coulon & Associés, HHF Architects, Tatiana Bilbao Estudio
New housing that is more environmentally friendly
New homes are becoming more and more energy efficient.
They meet the requirements of numerous environmental labels, which guarantee their respect for the environment.
The BBC label
The BBC label (Low Consumption Building) is the best known environmental label.
It is awarded to homes that consume less than 50 kWh/m²/year in primary energy.
This corresponds to a 40% reduction in energy consumption compared to the 2012 thermal regulations.
The HQE label
The HQE (High Environmental Quality) label is a more demanding label than the BBC label.
It is awarded to buildings that meet 14 targets divided into 4 main categories:
Eco-construction
: the materials used, the design of the building, the construction techniques must be environmentally friendly.
Eco-management
: the building must be managed in such a way as to minimize its energy consumption and waste.
Comfort
: the building must offer optimal thermal, acoustic and visual comfort.
The health of the occupants
: the building must be designed to preserve the health of the occupants.
Comfort and health of occupants at the heart of new real estate
New real estate is reinventing itself to offer unparalleled comfort, combined with unprecedented attention to the health of residents.
Comfort becomes a priority, and this goes well beyond simple interior design considerations.
The new constructions integrate elements aimed at creating living spaces where every detail contributes to the well-being of the inhabitants.
Top quality materials, both durable and comfortable, are carefully selected to guarantee a warm and pleasant atmosphere.
The health of occupants is also at the heart of these developments.
Indoor air quality is optimized thanks to efficient ventilation systems and the use of non-toxic materials.
In addition, sophisticated ventilation systems ensure optimal indoor air quality, reducing the risk of allergies and respiratory problems.
Better thermal and acoustic insulation
Effective insulation guarantees constant thermal comfort all year round, reducing energy losses and heating or cooling costs.
In addition, good sound insulation protects against external noise and limits noise pollution between dwellings in the same building.
Healthy and bright living spaces
To ensure indoor air quality and prevent health problems linked to housing, it is essential to ensure effective and appropriate ventilation in homes.
This involves in particular the choice of efficient and silent equipment, as well as an architectural design favoring natural and crossed air currents.
Furthermore, encouraging the entry of natural light into living spaces is a guarantee of well-being for residents.
Studies show that a well-lit home is associated with better quality of sleep and a reduction in depressive disorders.
The development of home automation and connected objects
Home automation and connected objects are becoming more widespread in new real estate, offering residents numerous features to improve their daily living comfort:
Centralized management of electrical equipment and heating from a tablet or smartphone.
Automation of recurring tasks (opening/closing shutters, watering plants, etc.).
Energy optimization thanks to intelligent thermostats which adapt the heating according to the habits of the occupants.
Reinforced security with connected alarm and video surveillance systems.
The habitat of tomorrow is today with the Kaufman & Broad experience
The real estate developer Kaufman & Broad offers you a wide choice of new housing combining energy performance, comfort and standing.
Interiors that evolve with the lives of their inhabitants: modular, connected and personalized.