France

Summary

Since March 2022, a message encouraging the use of active or shared mobility or public transport, accompanied by the tagline #SeDéplacerMoinsPolluer (Getting around, polluting less), has been mandatory on advertising displays promoting motorized vehicles, as has the display of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions label. The messages are the following :
- "For short journeys, prefer walking or cycling"
- "Consider carpooling"
- "On a daily basis, take public transport."

Detail

Introduced into automotive advertising, these words are designed to promote active mobility such as walking, cycling, carpooling and public transport.

Further information

L'encadrement des publicités des véhicules motorisés | Ministères Écologie Énergie Territoires
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/lencadrement-des-publicites-des-vehicules-motorises

Summary

Mandatory display of CO2 emissions class in motor vehicle advertising

Detail

All visual commercial communication media (television, cinema, online advertising including social networks and print) must now show the CO2 emissions level of the car presented, as well as its emissions class by displaying the label legibly and visibly. This nomenclature is designed to encourage consumers to switch to more energy-efficient vehicles with lower CO2 emissions.

Further information

La lutte contre l’éco-blanchiment dans les publicités| Ministères Écologie Énergie Territoires
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/lutte-contre-leco-blanchiment-dans-publicites

Summary

The law requires companies to back up their claims of carbon neutrality with documented, quantified arguments.

Detail

Since January 2023, advertisers have been prohibited from claiming in an advert that a product or service is carbon-neutral (or equivalent wording) without complying with a precise framework:
(1) Carrying out an assessment of the product or service's greenhouse gas emissions over its entire life cycle
(2) Define a corresponding emissions reduction trajectory, over a minimum of 10 years, updated every 5 years.
(3) Offset emissions with projects meeting minimum standards.
(4) Publish an annually updated report
(5) Make the link to this report available on the advertising medium.

Further information

L'information du consommateur dans la publicité | Ministères Écologie Énergie Territoires
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/linformation-du-consommateur-dans-publicite

Summary

Consumer information on the environmental qualities or characteristics of products

Detail

Since 1 January 2023, certain manufacturers are obliged to inform consumers, at least electronically, about 11 environmental qualities or characteristics (repairability, recyclability, traceability, reuse, compostability, presence of hazardous substances, etc.);
The measure applies to some manufacturers and to some product categories, notably those subject to an EPR scheme.

Further information

Encadrement des allégations environnementales et information du consommateur sur les produits | Ministères Écologie Énergie Territoires
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/encadrement-des-allegations-environnementales-et-information-du-consommateur-sur-produits

Summary

Products subject to mandatory environmental labelling, energy labelling or carbon dioxide (CO2) emission class labelling must prominently display this labelling in advertising.

Detail

Environmental labelling will apply to different sectors (textiles, food, furnishings, hotels, etc.) and will be based on a methodology specific to each sector (see next line).

Further information

L'information du consommateur dans la publicité | Ministères Écologie Énergie Territoires
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/linformation-du-consommateur-dans-publicite

Summary

Progressive implementation of a regulatory consumer product environmental labelling.

Detail

Article 2 of the 2021 Climate and resilience law plans the introduction of a mandatory labellling scheme on consumer products. Pilots have been conducted in the food and textile sectors. Based on their results as well as on further methodological and tool development and other consultations, a regulatory framework will gradually be introduced from 2024 onwards. Other product categories may be included in the scope.

Further information

Mieux informer le consommateur : vers un affichage environnemental des vêtements pour indiquer leur impact | Ministères Écologie Énergie Territoires
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/mieux-informer-consommateur-vers-affichage-environnemental-des-vetements-indiquer-leur-impact

Affichage environnemental dans le secteur alimentaire : expérimentation 2020/2021 – Ademe
https://expertises.ademe.fr/economie-circulaire/consommer-autrement/passer-a-laction/reconnaitre-produit-plus-respectueux-lenvironnement/dossier/laffichage-environnemental/affichage-environnemental-secteur-alimentaire-experimentation-20202021

Summary

The various players in the advertising sector can voluntarily sign up to a "climate contract".

Detail

The aim of climate contracts is to significantly reduce the commercial communications of products identified as having an excessive impact, while providing better information for consumers and encouraging the various players (advertisers, advertising agencies, media, etc.) to change their practices in this area. All companies in all sectors can establish a climate contract on a voluntary basis.

Further information

Les contrats climat et la plateforme de déclaration | Ministères Écologie Énergie Territoires
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/contrats-climat-et-plateforme-declaration

Summary

In a context marked by the acceleration of climate change and the Ukrainian conflict, France needs to break its dependence on fossil fuels, by transforming habits and behavior over the long term.

Detail

The government published an energy sobriety plan in october 2022 to accelerate the reduction of energy consumption by promoting energy efficiency measures involving the state, local authorities, businesses and citizens, with the aim of reducing energy consumption by 10% by 2024 (compared to the winter of 2018-2019). The Energy Sobriety Plan includes horizontal and sectoral measures to be implemented by each actor on a voluntary basis. The Energy Sobriety Plan includes proposals for energy savings in various sectors, including housing, transport and industry. It is expected that the majority of the proposed measures will relate to buildings (e.g. reducing the heating temperature of premises/houses, reducing the amount of heating used, etc.). temperature of hot water tanks etc

The Energy Sobriety Plan includes general and specific measures for each business area. In addition to the measures to reduce energy consumption, a nationwide communication campaign has been launched. The campaign was launched on 10 October (TV, radio, newspaper, internet) and focused on five key winter energy saving tips to ensure energy savings in winter. By mobilising the State, local authorities, businesses and citizens, 12% of energy (gas and electricity) has been saved from October 2022 to August 2023 (compared to 2018-19, climate-adjusted).

Here are the 5 main energy-saving tips :
- set temperature at 19°C in buildings,
- set water heater at 55°C,
- unplug electric devices when not used,
- install thermostat,
- use electric appliances outside of peak hours.

Further information

Sobriété énergétique : un plan pour réduire notre consommation d'énergie | Ministères Écologie Énergie Territoires
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sobriete-energetique-plan-reduire-notre-consommation-denergie

20.06.2023_DP_plan_sobriete.pdf
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/20.06.2023_DP_plan_sobriete.pdf

Summary

In order to continue implementing these sufficiency measures over time, the French government, in collaboration with all partners, has finalised the update of this energy sufficiency plan. This second version, which includes ambitious measures for the transport sector and specific summer measures, was launched in June 2023.

Detail

Following the success of the winter campaign, a special summer communication campaign will be broadcast to the general public nationwide (TV, radio, newspapers, internet) from June to mid-August 2023. It will focus on five key summer energy saving tips to keep the energy saving momentum going.

Here are the 5 main energy-saving tips :
- switch on the air conditioning only when the temperature rises above 26°C,
- take your foot off the accelerator (drive at 110 km/h on the motorway)
- unplug appliances before going on holiday,
- remember to install the right equipment (thermostat, insulation, heating) and maintain your boiler before the next winter,
- think soft mobility (cycling, walking, etc.) when the weather is fine.

Further information

Plan sobriété, acte 2 : la mobilisation se poursuit
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/plan-sobriete-acte-2-mobilisation-se-poursuit

22152_Plan-sobriete_DP-2023-if-2.pdf
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/22152_Plan-sobriete_DP-2023-if-2.pdf

Summary

Disseminate and enforce a maximum temperature of 19°C within residential buildings and offices

Detail

The maximum temperature in buildings, both dwellings and offices, is set by law at 19°C, unless they are dedicated to specific purposes: i.e. hospitals, etc. ...
France enacted a law (from article R241-25 to R241-29-1) in the 1970s and 1980s, due to the oil shock, stating that buildings should maintain a maximum temperature of 19°C. The French government used this set of laws as a reference point to approach energy sufficiency from the bottom up, to encourage people's cooperation and support. In parallel, France also approached large companies and institutions bilaterally.

Further information

See "Energy sobriety plan" for references and articles R241-25 to R241-29-1 in the energy code

Summary

Obligation to close entrance doors in heated or cooled commercial buildings or parts of buildings, was enacted and promoted along with the National Energy Sobriety Plan.

Detail

See for details decree no. 2022-1295 of 5 October 2022, known as the "door closure", on the obligation to close entrance doors in heated or cooled commercial buildings or parts of buildings.

Further information

Commerces et bureaux : fermeture des portes des locaux chauffés ou climatisés| Service-public.fr
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/actualites/A16014

Summary

The "heated outdoor terrasses" decree, which prohibits the use of heating or air conditioning systems outdoors was enacted and promoted along with the National Energy Sobriety Plan.

Detail

See for details decree no. 2022-452 of 30 March 2022, known as the "heated outdoor terrasses" decree, which prohibits the use of heating or air conditioning systems outdoors.

Further information

Décret n° 2022-452 du 30 mars 2022 relatif à l'interdiction de l'utilisation sur le domaine public en extérieur de systèmes de chauffage ou de climatisation
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000045442336

Summary

Illuminated advertising must be switched off between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m

Detail

Since October 2022, in application of a new reglementation, illuminated advertising must be switched off between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. throughout France. Prior to this decree, the rules for switching off illuminated advertising at night in municipalities belonging to urban units with more than 800,000 inhabitants were the responsibility of local advertising regulations. The decree also increases the penalties applicable for failure to comply with the rules on switching off illuminated advertising and illuminated signs at night.

Further information

Décret n° 2022-1294 du 5 octobre 2022 portant modification de certaines dispositions du code de l'environnement relatives aux règles d'extinction des publicités lumineuses et aux enseignes lumineuses
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000046368520

Summary

On 13 December 2022, an unprecedented "car-sharing plan", containing 14 measures and unprecedented funding of up to €150m, was launched by the Ministry of Energy Transition.

Detail

It supports the development of car sharing by providing:
1/ A €100 bonus for new drivers, which will be paid by car-sharing platforms to encourage people to start car-sharing.
2/ Support for carpoolers to complement local authorities on the principle of "€1 from the State for €1 from the local authority".
3/ Mobilisation of the Green Fund to the tune of €50m in 2023 to support local authorities in their carpooling infrastructure development projects (carpooling areas, carpooling lines or trials of dedicated lanes).

Further information

Le Gouvernement lance un nouveau plan covoiturage du quotidien de 150 millions d'euros
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/gouvernement-lance-nouveau-plan-covoiturage-du-quotidien-150-millions-deuros

Summary

On July 1, 2018, the speed limit on most roads previously limited to 90 km/h was lowered to 80 km/h.

Detail

The main challenge of this measure is to reduce road deaths, but it also generates co-benefits in terms of GHG emissions.

Further information

Description
https://www.securite-routiere.gouv.fr/dangers-de-la-route/la-vitesse-et-la-conduite/abaissement-de-la-vitesse-maximale-autorisee-de-90-80

Impact assessment
https://www.onisr.securite-routiere.gouv.fr/etudes-et-recherches/evaluation/evaluation-des-mesures/limitation-de-vitesse-a-80-kmh-sur-les-routes-hors-agglomeration-sans-separation-centrale

Summary

If a rail journey takes less than 2 hours 30 minutes, users must now opt for the train instead of the plane. Certain short domestic flights are therefore now prohibited, as stipulated in a decree published on May 23, 2023.

Detail

Article 1 of the decree states that the ban applies to scheduled public passenger air transport services where a rail link provides a journey of less than 2 hours 30 minutes in each direction:
- between stations serving the same towns as the respective airports concerned (when the most important airport on the route in terms of traffic is served directly by a high-speed rail service, the station used to calculate the alternative rail service is the one serving this airport; in other cases, the station used is the one serving the town of the airport concerned);
- without changing trains between these two stations;
- several times a day, with a satisfactory service, "including the affordability of alternative rail fares", as specified in the decree;
- and enabling passengers to spend more than 8 hours at the airport during the day, all year round (requires early morning and late evening connections).

Connecting flights are not affected by the decree.

Further information

Certains vols intérieurs de courte durée supprimés
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/actualites/A16193

Summary

In France, 2.2 million tonnes of plastic packaging are placed on the market every year. Their re-use is underdeveloped, and their recycling rate is low (27%). To address this situation, the French anti-waste law for a circular economy introduces new provisions aimed at reducing the use of disposable plastic and encouraging the development of reusable, recyclable and recycled packaging.

Detail

Three targets have been set for the period 2021-2025:
- A target of a 20% reduction in single-use plastic packaging by the end of 2025, at least half of which will be achieved through reuse;
- A target of 100% reduction in "unnecessary" single-use plastic packaging, such as plastic blister packs around batteries and light bulbs, by the end of 2025;
- A target of 100% recycling of single-use plastic packaging by January 1, 2025, with the aim of ensuring that single-use plastic packaging put on the market is recyclable, does not interfere with sorting or recycling chains, and does not contain substances or elements likely to limit the use of the recycled material.

Further information

Loi anti-gaspillage : vers la fin des emballages en plastique à usage unique
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/emballages-en-plastique-usage-unique

Summary

The French anti-waste law for a circular economy calls for the gradual phase-out of all single-use plastic packaging by 2040.

Detail

This changeover, which began in 2020 with the ban on the sale of disposable tableware in batches (glasses, cups, plates) and cotton buds, continues in 2021.

As of January 1, 2021, straws, disposable cutlery, spoons, takeaway cup lids, expanded polystyrene boxes, steak picks, balloon stems, plastic confetti and other oxodegradable plastic objects will be banned.

At the same time, the law provides for the deployment of bulk packaging systems. From January 1, 2021, all consumers are allowed to to bring a reusable container to retail outlets. By 2030, 20% of surface (or product refernces or sales) in supermarkets >400㎡ will be dedicated to selling products without primary packaging.

By 2022, non-biodegradable plastic tea or herbal tea bags will have disappeared from our shelves. The same applies to plastic overwraps for fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg. Another change: press publications and advertisements will be sent without plastic packaging.

Fast-food outlets have also adapted: since 2022, the distribution of plastic toys for children has been prohibited. And, since 2023, fast-food and other restaurants (min 20 places) have been obliged to replace disposable crockery with reusable crockery for meals and drinks served on the premises. The anti-waste law for a circular economy also sets 5-annual targets for reused packaging in France: 5% by 2023 and 10% by 2027.

Further information

Sortir du plastique jetable d’ici à 2040
https://www.gouvernement.fr/actualite/sortir-du-plastique-jetable-d-ici-a-2040

Summary

The reparability index was rolled out on January 1, 2021 on five product categories (smartphones, laptops, televisions, lawnmowers, porthole washing machines). Since November 4, 2022, four new product categories are concerned (top washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, high-pressure cleaners). This tool, provided for in the anti-waste law for a circular economy, aims to better inform consumers about the more or less repairable nature of their purchases.

Detail

The mandatory display of a reparability index is instituted by Article 16-I of Law no. 2020-105 of February 10, 2020 to combat waste and promote a circular economy, for electrical and electronic products. By displaying a score out of 10, this index informs consumers about the more or less repairability of the products concerned. Initially, it will cover the following categories: washing machines with portholes, smartphones, laptops, televisions and electric lawnmowers, and soon, top-loading washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and high-pressure cleaners.

This information makes consumers aware of the possibility of extending the life and use of their appliances, in particular by directing their purchasing behavior towards products that are easier to repair, and by encouraging them to make greater use of repairs in the event of breakdown.

It is a tool in the fight against obsolescence - programmed or otherwise - to prevent products from being scrapped too soon, and to preserve the natural resources needed for their production.

By 2024, the anti-waste law for a circular economy calls for this index to become a sustainability index, notably by adding new criteria such as product robustness or reliability.

Further information

Indice de réparabilité
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/indice-reparabilite

Summary

Daily choice of a vegetarian menu in state canteens and universities, weekly menu in school canteens and trials for volunteer local authorities

Detail

Climate & Resilience law allows for an experiment to be set up, from the date of promulgation of the law, to offer a daily vegetarian choice in the canteens of volunteer local authorities. The French government, for its part, intends to set an example, and from 2023 will offer a daily vegetarian menu in the event of multiple choices being offered to diners in its canteens and those of its public establishments and public companies. It is also making a weekly vegetarian menu compulsory in school canteens, as provided for under the EGALIM law.

Further information

Projet de loi Climat & Résilience - Les députés ont voté les articles du titre V « se nourrir » : ça change quoi dans nos vies ?
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/projet-loi-climat-resilience-deputes-ont-vote-articles-du-titre-v-se-nourrir-ca-change-quoi-dans-nos

Summary

Extension of the obligation to supply at least 50% sustainable and quality products, including at least 20% organic products, to private catering from 2025.

Detail

Climate & Resilience law stipulates that, from 2025 onwards, private catering (company restaurants, for example) must serve meals containing 50% sustainable and quality products, including 20% organic, and 60% quality meat and fish products from 2024 onwards.

Further information

Projet de loi Climat & Résilience - Les députés ont voté les articles du titre V « se nourrir » : ça change quoi dans nos vies ?
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/projet-loi-climat-resilience-deputes-ont-vote-articles-du-titre-v-se-nourrir-ca-change-quoi-dans-nos

Summary

Employers are temporarily authorised, subject to certain conditions, to do away with the use of hot water in washbasins in buildings used for work purposes until june 2024. The test period was inititiated under the Energy Sobriety Plan for government buildings.

Detail

Article R 4228-7 of the French Labour Code stipulates that washbasins, installed in a special room with a suitable surface area, isolated from the work and storage areas and located close to the workers, which the employer must provide at the rate of one washbasin for every 10 workers at most, must have drinking water and the water must be at an adjustable temperature.

New reglementation allows, until 30 June 2024, the removal of hot water from washbasins in buildings used for professional purposes in order to meet energy efficiency objectives, by way of derogation from the Labour Code.

Further information

dp-plan-sobriete.pdf
https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/dp-plan-sobriete.pdf