22. The energy-positive company

The positive-energy company presents itself with a building (or buildings) equipped to produce and supply more energy than it (or they) consume(s). Such a positive-energy building is defined within the framework of the BEPOS label, and is targeted by the new RE2020 environmental regulation (which replaces RT2012) as a goal to be achieved for new constructions (mainly housing and offices).

A positive-energy building returns more energy than it consumes:

• its energy consumption must be optimized (as in the case of so-called passive buildings) to limit energy use to what is really needed, while ensuring comfort and safety;

• its energy production will be, if possible, of renewable origin, and surplus to requirements through the installation of devices such as solar panels, wind turbines,...