Saint‑Gobain urges RE2020 update as French cities struggle with soaring heat

Olivier Servant, director of “solutions for construction” at Saint‑Gobain, called for the French RE2020 building regulation to integrate prospective meteorological data to better address heat‑wave conditions. He emphasized prioritising passive measures such as high‑performance insulation and reflective façades, and using active systems like air‑handling units only when necessary.

Urban planner Clément Gaillard highlighted that repeated heatwaves expose the shortcomings of French city design, noting the complexity of planting trees due to crowded underground infrastructure. He argued for more diverse, greener urban layouts and for redefining comfort standards in public spaces to reduce reliance on energy‑intensive cooling.

Both experts stress that adapting buildings and public spaces to a hotter climate requires updated standards, better insulation, and reconsidered urban greening strategies.