Lhe craftsmen are the central players in energy renovation. They are the only ones capable of mastering the transformation work. In 2022, the construction sector represented 427,000 companies, according to the French Building Federation, for a total of 166 billion euros of work carried out. The sector is equivalent, in terms of employment, to half of the industry and twice the activities of the banking and insurance sector.
However, systems, such as MaPrimeRenov’, are relatively complex for craftsmen. They are often more comfortable with the hammer and saw than with administrative procedures. However, these systems pose significant problems: to be eligible, craftsmen must be certified as “recognized guarantors of the environment” (RGE); access to the label is expensive and they sometimes do not have the necessary resources or time.
In the context of a project, part of which is covered by one of these schemes (MaPrimeRenov’, zero-rate eco-loan, energy savings certificates, etc.), payment occurs at the end of the work , which creates financial inconvenience and cash flow problems, making participation in these initiatives less attractive for them. For all these reasons, the RGE label is seeing a drop in the number of qualified people this year: there are currently 61,120, compared to 65,095 in 2022, according to the Ecological Transition Agency.
Energy renovation requires the contribution of everyone
Many artisans, faced with the associated costs and administrative hassles, choose to leave the system, thereby depriving local communities of qualified experts. As issues linked to global warming and ecology multiply, it is essential today to allow them to have access to tools and aid to support the French in energy transitions.
In this context, a program such asOscar, which works closely with players in the building sector to facilitate access to energy renovation aid by training craftsmen, presents itself as a potential solution. However, the reality is that even these well-intentioned initiatives remain complex for artisans.
Lack of time and resources prevents them from training effectively, thus compromising their ability to benefit from these RGE programs. It is imperative to recognize that energy renovation requires the contribution of everyone, and local artisans are at the heart of this system. Their in-depth knowledge of the field, coupled with their local presence, is essential to ensure maintenance and after-sales service, particularly for elements such as heat pumps.
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