High environmental quality approach
Building for sustainable development

The first application of a High Environmental Quality (HQE) approach to construction was initiated in 1993 by the Ministry of Equipment and Housing. The objective was to integrate environmental and health protection issues into the building sector, which requires ensuring environmental management of construction operations. An HQE approach can be applied to all types of programs and all sectors of the building industry, for both new construction and renovation projects.

The HQE approach aims to meet three complementary requirements:

• 1/ achieving a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for occupants;

• 2/ controlling the building's impact on its external...