Rehabilitation work in HLM

The Housing for Moderate Rent (HLM) real estate portfolio must face numerous challenges, including an increase in the dilapidation of buildings as well as the deterioration of the living conditions of its occupants. In this context, the government has put in place measures aimed at accelerating HLM rehabilitation work. Enerlis takes stock.

A social housing stock that requires rehabilitation work

In France, there are 4.7 million social housing units. They accommodate more than 10 million people with modest incomes. However, one in two social housing units is over 40 years old. Indeed, most HLMs were built after the war , at lower cost to meet high demand.

Consequence? Today, the HLM park is particularly dilapidated and energy-intensive : according to the Social Union for Housing, there are 7% of thermal sieves there, i.e. housing rated F or G in the Energy Performance Diagnosis ( DPE). 

Why renovate HLM?

In this context, HLM rehabilitation work is essential to improve energy performance, reduce fuel poverty and meet current standards.

Rehabilitate HLMs to comply with the law

HLMs are governed by numerous regulations. The most emblematic is the Climate and Resilience law promulgated in 2021. It prohibits the progressive rental of the most energy-intensive housing called thermal sieves in the residential sector.

Thus, can no longer be rented: 

• indecent housing (with final energy consumption greater than 450 kWh/m2/year) since January 1, 2023;
• properties rated G in the DPE in 2025;
• F housing in 2028;
• housing labeled E in 2034,

If you are a social landlord, you will have to undertake rehabilitation work on your HLM in order to improve its energy performance and ultimately, its DPE, otherwise you will no longer be able to rent your property.

HLM rehabilitation work to improve the comfort of beneficiaries

Furthermore, thermal strainers are characterized by their discomfort : feeling of cold, humidity, drafts despite the use of heating (thermal bridges). Poorly insulated housing can also cause complications for vulnerable occupants or those who already have health (respiratory illnesses in the event of mold on the walls, for example).

Rehabilitating the HLM building is therefore essential to improve the comfort, well-being and safety of beneficiaries.

Reducing the energy bills of precarious households thanks to HLM rehabilitation work

obsolete heating and/or air conditioning devices automatically increases the energy bill. According to the General Commission for Sustainable Development, energy consumption is an item that weighs heavily on households ( 8.6 % of their budget). However, HLM beneficiaries already have a tight budget.

The rehabilitation work on social housing helps protect their purchasing power , improve the attractiveness of the building and its carbon trajectory .

What solutions to rehabilitate social housing?

The rehabilitation of a building stock is a complex project. It is important to be supported by an energy efficiency professional like Enerlis, who is involved throughout the project value chain.

The energy audit: the cornerstone of HLM rehabilitation

The collective energy audit inventory of the building's energy performance. It lists the different equipment , their respective energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions , possible energy sources recommendations for priority work as well as a concrete action plan.

Enerlis integrates a design office specializing in carrying out energy audits. Contact us to request yours!

Priority energy efficiency work for the rehabilitation of HLM

The energy audit recommends energy efficiency work in order to move away from the status of a thermal sieve. 

Most often, these are projects allowing: 

• to improve insulation ;
• HVAC ) system
• to carry out relamping .

Enerlis is also authorized to support you in your energy renovation projects! Depending on your project, we help you install an energy-efficient heat pump or invest in energy-efficient LED

Monitor post-work energy performance

The key to a successful HLM rehabilitation project is monitoring of post-work energy performance. To do this, it is necessary to carry out energy management of the new equipment installed through the implementation of an Energy Management System (EMS) or Technical Building Management (BMS).

The SME is software that allows energy consumption to be monitored in real time through performance indicators GTB is a technology allowing remote control

Enerlis offers its own SME platform and also has a GTB offer!

What assistance for HLM rehabilitation work?

The recovery plan as well as the National Stone Aid Fund have mobilized nearly €700 million for major restructuring and thermal renovation of social housing. Furthermore, the finance law for 2024 provides for a first tranche of subsidy of nearly €400 million.

This aid is available for “housing approved by the APL, completed at least 15 years ago and which consumes a lot of energy (energy class E, F or G). They must make it possible to finance “energy renovation work allowing the achievement of at least class C of the DPE and an energy gain of 40%.”