INFO EUROPE 1 - MaPrimeRénov': building craftsmen warn of the setbacks of the system

Christophe Bordet / Photo credits: Frederic Scheiber / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP 7:43 a.m., February 14, 2024

The 600,000 construction workers are sounding the alarm regarding the MaPrimeRénov' system. On the eve of a meeting between their professional union, the confederation of crafts and small construction companies (Capeb) and the ministers of Housing and Ecological Transition, around thirty players in the sector are sending an open letter to the Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. Objective: to alert people to the setbacks of MaPrimeRénov', which is supposed to support the energy renovation of housing. 

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Forget small jobs

For several months now, MaPrimeRénov' has not been as popular with individuals. In 2023, more than a billion euros have not been requested by the French to carry out work. In January, the MaPrimeRénov' budget was boosted to allow more financing, such as changing windows or heating systems, but it is now only allocated if you carry out several works. Consequence: the operations are more costly and the remainder is too high, thus putting individuals off.

Craftsmen without work

The craftsmen are asking for this work to be spread over several years to make things easier to pass. But to make the energy renovation process a little more complex, the French are now obliged to go through an expert called Mon Accompagnateur Rénov', without which they will not be able to benefit from state aid. Except that the number of guides is insufficient to process the files. Acceptance of the bonus takes months and many craftsmen, while waiting, find themselves without work.

Many VSEs and SMEs are excluded from these subsidized projects because they are not RGE labeled (recognized guarantors of the environment). The craftsmen are calling this morning for a pure and simple renovation of MaPrimeRénov'.