What is available
On 3 September 2026, the ministry announced the release of OPEE data on new buildings’ energy and environmental performance. The CSTB portal shows a 1 September update. Collective housing is included, with submissions from different project stages, including completion.
OPEE indicators are calculated values, including those for completed buildings. They help compare projects’ energy and environmental characteristics. Estimate the owner’s future bills separately using actual occupancy assumptions and tariffs.
Use comparisons to ask better questions
When buying off-plan under a French VEFA contract, start with the specification and its contractual commitments. OPEE can provide context on construction choices, carbon indicators and summer comfort.
| Subject | Question for the developer |
|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Which indicator, floor-area definition and energy uses are included? |
| Carbon performance | What are the calculation boundaries and document stage? |
| Summer comfort | What shading, ventilation and cooling assumptions were used? |
| RE2020 compliance | Which requirements apply to this project’s permit date? |
Compare similar building types, climate conditions and regulatory versions. Without these controls, a ranking may reflect the sample rather than a meaningful performance difference.
Understand the limits
The anonymised dataset covers some projects and supports comparisons between groups of buildings. To verify the chosen apartment, use its developer’s calculations, certificates and specification. Start by selecting comparable building types, climate zones and RE2020 regulatory periods in the dataset.
Request the applicable calculations and attestations, technical specification, heating and ventilation details, and the installed-equipment documents at handover. Check which version is current when materials or systems change.
Our VEFA guide covers guarantees and delivery. OPEE adds a way to frame technical questions; it does not replace contractual checks. Estimate the apartment’s likely running costs separately using its intended occupancy and tariffs.
Sources and verification date
Checked on 21 September 2026. Observation periods and limitations are identified in the article.
