3. High environmental quality

3.1 Fourteen targets

The first application of a High Environmental Quality (HEQ) approach to construction was initiated in 1993 by the French Ministry of Public Works and Housing. The aim was to integrate environmental and health protection issues into the building sector, thus ensuring the environmental management of construction operations. An HQE approach can be applied to all types of program and all sectors of the building industry, for both new builds and renovations.

The HQE approach aims to satisfy three complementary requirements:

• 1/ A healthy, comfortable indoor environment for occupants;

• 2/ Controlling the impact of the building on its external environment;

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