Calculation of the EPD: the new features

At 1^er In January 2026, the value of the conversion factor from final energy to primary energy for electricity in energy performance diagnostics and energy audits is lowered and aligned with that of Europe. The coefficient goes from 2.3 to 1.9. This measure had been confirmed by an order issued in Official Journal of 26 August 2025.

What is the conversion factor?

To establish the EPD and the energy consumption of a dwelling, a conversion is carried out between final energy and primary energy, different depending on the energy used.

If you use 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity in your home, it is considered that 1.9 kWh of primary energy had to be spent.

The conversion factor is equal to 1 for wood and gas because these energies are directly delivered and consumed in the building.

Harmonization of this coefficient with the European value makes it possible to correct an unequal treatment which currently penalizes electricity in comparison with imported fuel oil or gas. This development also aims to improve the EPD of certain electricity-heated dwellings. It can encourage homeowners to replace their fossil-fuel boiler with a heat pump using carbon-free electricity, or to opt for thermodynamic or solar water heaters.

To learn more about the evolution of the calculation of the DPE, you can consult the frequently asked questions on the RT-RE-building website dedicated to building regulations.