RE2020: actual measurement vs. fixed value,
the Ic construction site lever
The RE2020 regulation uses conservative, standard values for the construction site carbon footprint. Accurately measuring construction site emissions with Efficarbone allows for the documentation of a precise and traceable carbon footprint – a lever that becomes critical as thresholds become stricter.
The RE2020 mechanism: lump sum or measure
The RE2020 calculates the overall carbon footprint of a building by adding several indicators. Among them, the construction site (items A4 to A9 according to EN 15978) covers emissions from the construction phase: transport, machinery, waste, site facilities, and staff travel.
When no real data is available, the RE2020 applies a fixed value . This value is calibrated conservatively — it deliberately overestimates construction site emissions to encourage actual measurement.
Fixed value (default)
Applied automatically if the MOA does not provide an actual measurement. Intentionally inflated.
- — Penalizes the overall Ic balance of the building
- — Reduces the available margin on the RE2020 thresholds
- — No recognition of logistical efforts
Actual measurement (Efficarbone)
Replaces the flat rate in the RE2020 calculation if the measure is tracked and documented.
- — Reflects the actual emissions from the construction site
- — Often less expensive than a fixed price if the project is well managed
- — Frees up leeway on the RE2020 thresholds
The difference between the standard and actual measurement represents a lever for RE2020 compliance . For a building that is close to the carbon threshold, this lever can make the difference between compliance and non-compliance — without changing the choice of materials or the architectural design.
RE2020 thresholds: a trajectory that is tightening
The RE2020 regulation imposes increasingly stringent carbon thresholds according to a three-stage timetable. At each stage, the room for maneuver decreases — and each emission source counts more.
| Milestone | Entry into force | Requirement | Impact on the construction site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milestone 2025 | January 1, 2025 | First applicable global Ic thresholds | The flat rate is still acceptable for most transactions |
| Milestone 2028 | January 1, 2028 | Thresholds lowered by approximately 15 to 25% | The flat rate starts to become a burden — the actual measurement becomes an advantage |
| Milestone 2031 | January 1, 2031 | Lowest thresholds of the trajectory | The flat rate becomes a real handicap — the measure is almost indispensable |
The lower the thresholds, the more the (conservative) fixed value weighs in the overall balance sheet. A project owner who measures their construction cost center now accumulates historical data and refines their ability to optimize the construction cost center on future projects.
Traceability: what the RE2020 regulation expects
traceability and documentation requirements . Efficarbone is designed to produce this evidence:
Traceable emission factors
Each factor used comes from the Footprint Database (ADEME) and includes an identifier, year, and source. There are no "in-house" factors or opaque coefficients.
Confidence level per data point
Each item is categorized: actual measurement (invoice, statement), documented estimate, or default value. The auditor knows what is measured and what is estimated.
Coverage of the 6 stations EN 15978
A4 (supplies), A5a (living quarters), A5b (personal travel), A5c (equipment), A5d (waste), A5e (temporary equipment). No position overlooked.
Auditable report
The Efficarbone assessment produces a structured report that can be integrated into the RE2020 file — usable by the control office and the certifier.
Project Management Strategy: Measure early, capitalize
The measurement of the construction site's IC (Impact Consumption) is not just a tool for one-off compliance — it is a strategic asset for the project owner who operates several construction sites:
Benchmarker
Compare the carbon footprints of construction projects between operations. Identify the areas where the differences are greatest — and the best-performing companies.
Calibrating the DCEs
Use past assessments to formulate realistic construction site carbon criteria in future tender documents — neither too lax nor unattainable.
Documenting the trajectory
Establish a history of verifiable data for CSRD reporting, environmental claims, and institutional communication.
A project owner who starts measuring today will have, at milestone 2028, 3 years of comparative data — an advantage that its competitors will not be able to catch up with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Efficarbone documents actual site emissions (modules A4-A5). This data can supplement or refine the RE2020 calculation when thresholds become stricter. The substitution of flat-rate allowances depends on the applicable regulatory framework and acceptance by the verifier.
The Ic construction thresholds (including Ic components + Ic site) vary by building type and are tightened in stages (2025, 2028, 2031). For multi-family housing, the 2025 threshold is 740 kg CO2/m². The construction component (A4-A5) typically represents 5 to 15% of the total.
No, the RE2020 regulation allows the use of standard values for the construction site energy performance certificate (EPC). Actual measurement is a voluntary approach that improves the accuracy of the assessment and prepares operators for the expected tightening of traceability requirements.
Document your IC construction site with a real measurement
Efficarbone measures the construction site carbon footprint (A4-A5 categories, EN 15978) using ADEME factors. Traceable data for RE2020, BEGES, and ESRS E1 reporting.
Complement your carbon approach
ESRS E1 — Climate & CSRD
The carbon reporting requirements of the CSRD directive for real estate.
Learn more →CBCA Label
Low Carbon Construction Site: the label supported by IRICE.
Learn more →Public procurement clauses
Incorporate construction carbon emissions into your award criteria.
Learn more →Directive 2024/825
Substantiate your carbon claims in light of the new obligations.
Learn more →