The government's
Sobriété enérgetique
plan explained.
The French Government has
outlined its plan to cut energy
use by 10% this winter. Known
as "sobriété enérgetique" it is
the first step towards a 30%
reduction in energy use by
2030.
It is a three point plan.
Measures affecting government
offices and public
buildings are compulsory,
measures for businesses are
voluntary, but with rewards
to those who comply "les
entreprises s'engagent" and
measures for households
which are advisory.
Government offices and
public buildings
Maximum temperature of 19c,
remote working encouraged,
limited use of hot water, lower
temperature in gyms/leisure
centres, reduced lighting of
public buildings/sports stadia,
grouping of offices into a
single building.
Businesses
Maximum temperature of 19c,
lowered to 8c if office is closed
for 3 days or more, reduced
exterior lighting, reduction in
employee travel using public
transport where possible.
Households
Lower temperature, unplugging
appliances, carpooling,
encouraged use of heat
pumps, cash incentives or
"bonus sobriété" for reducing
energy costs.
These measures will be
noticeable in the Alps as
operators, bars / restaurants
and councils start implementing
the plans.
Covid pandemic, Brexit and the war
in Ukraine. Demand for property
here comes from all countries. Lately
we have seen increased buyers from
North America and the Middle East
- they have made their money from
the oil and gas industries, which are
pegged to the US dollar. Similarly,
more and more buyers are seeking
'the great outdoors', whilst not being
too far away from their businesses,
home comforts and support network.
This is why the Alps are popular with
investors - prices remain buoyant,
even in the worst crisis. In 2008
we were the last to be hit and the
first to recover. It's why I live, work,
and invest here myself. However,
I suspect that 2022/2023 will see
prices stabilise, and vendors would
do well to get their properties to
07
www.leggettfrance.com
market sooner rather than later.
In terms of rentals, British tour
operators who offer a complete
package, flights, accommodation,
food and ski passes, are seeing strong
demand for holidays in the 22/23
season, as tourists look to cap costs
and fully understand what they are
getting. French visitors remain fans
of self-catered rental apartments
and chalets, enjoying family time
around the dining room table as a
highlight of their holidays. They tend
to venture out to restaurants and
bars less than the British.