French Market for Sun Protection
about 40 % lower compared to its 2007 levels. The market
for vertical blinds seems to be following a slightly downward
trend. Finally, the adjustable venetian blind market stalled in
2014-2015, before getting back on track in 2016 (+16 %).
WHAT IS THE OUTLOOK
FOR WINDOWS IN FRANCE?
The French window market dropped, in 2013-2015, by 8 %
and has dropped by 17 % since the end of 2006, after having
reached its peak in 2005-2006 with 12.3 million windows
whilst enjoyed an average annual increase of 4 % for the
2000-2006 period. Since 2008, the market share has seen an
average decrease by about 5 % (–4 % in 2010, –5 % in 2012
and –8.3 % in 2015).
The import share is rising sharply. It constituted almost 10 %
of the market in 2016, whereas it only made up 2.6 % of it in
2002. PVC and wooden windows have been suffering more
from the competition (78 % and 14 % respectively) as have
aluminium (8 %) and mixed windows (1 %), to a lesser extent
(marché des fenêtres en France à fin 2016 – Edition mars
2017. TBC Innovations. www.tbcinnovation.fr).
INCREASINGLY MORE CONNECTED
SMART HOMES AND BAY WINDOWS
Finally, smart homes and integrated devices are making their
mark on the French market! Thanks to very important global
players, such as the Somfy, Delta-Dore and Legrand groups,
French consumers can easily control all installed devices
remotely... including opening and closing. Some French researchers
20 are also working on composite materials capable
R+T markets 2018
of regulating light and heat externally and subsequently
adapting the level of transparency accordingly. Others are
working on window models capable of producing solar energy
by means of solar cells or transparent solar panels. Ultimately,
some windows could display the time, the wea ther, the house's
energy production or even show the TV.
WILL EMMANUEL MACRON, THE NEW
FRENCH PRESIDENT, SUPPORT CONSTRUCTION?
Under the presidency of François Hollande, the French government
had put a number of measures in place, including
tax measures, to encourage the French to invest in improving
the thermal performance of their homes.
Will it be the same for the new President of the French Republic,
Emmanuel Macron who was elected in May 2017? His
programme does contain a certain number of measures.
In addition to his desire to not get rid of the existing ar -
rangements (see below), President Macron has said that
”construction needs stability to keep investor confidence.
No investment without confidence. Therefore, priority must
be given to boosting supply before revising the aid measures
directed at the sector” (Interview Batiactu mai/2017; www.
batiactu.com).
Frédéric Taddeï,
director of the VERRE & PROTECTIONS MAG magazine
Door systems have to deliver more than function in today's market,
like this example by Groupe Maine. Photo: Groupe Maine
Construction aid in France
(until 1st June 2017)
Since 1st September 2014, there has been a ”zero interest
rate eco-loan” in place in France: a loan with a zero percent
interest rate, available unconditionally for financing
renovations works aimed at improving energy performance,
which is available until 31st December 2018.
It is available to all homeowners, regardless of whether
they occupy their home or rent it, and allows a loan of
up to € 30,000 for carrying out eco-renovation works.
It is to be repaid over 10 years.
Another system that has been proposed to the French is
the ”Tax Credit for the Energy Transition” (CITE). It is
available to homeowners and tenants and allows unto
30% of the expenses to be deducted from income tax
(capped amount).
Energy Saving Certificates (CEE) provide financial aid to
owners who are carrying out energy renovation works.
The ”energy premium” amounts are variable and can
constitute up to 10 % of the amount of work.
Finally, VAT at a rate of 10 % applies to renovation works
in France. A special energy renovation rate of 5.5% only
applies to those windows eligible for CITE.
