CEE photo timestamping is mandatory: under the order of 13 June 2023, timestamping and geolocation of photos are required for all CEE files. Don’t let your file be rejected for lack of reliable evidence. Find out why this new rule changes everything, and how to stay compliant with simple, secure and certified tools.

What is a CEE?

The Energy Savings Certificate (CEE, Certificat d’Économies d’Énergie) is a scheme set up by the French government to accelerate the energy transition.

In practice, energy suppliers (EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies, etc.) are legally required to promote or finance energy renovation work for households, local authorities and businesses. In return, they earn certificates that they must hand over to the State, or face financial penalties.

For building professionals, this means an additional source of income through bonuses paid to customers, and therefore a powerful lever to build loyalty and grow the business.

But be careful: every file submitted must be rigorously justified. And since June 2023, the rules have become stricter.

Works eligible for CEE

Many energy renovation works are eligible for CEE, provided they meet precise technical criteria (thermal performance, labels, etc.).

Here are the main types of work concerned:

  • Thermal insulation: walls, roofs, attics, ground floors
  • Heating replacement: high-efficiency boilers, heat pumps, pellet stoves
  • Installation of control systems: smart thermostats, heating programming
  • High-performance windows and doors: double or triple glazing

Why is photo timestamping mandatory?

The order of 13 June 2023 marked a turning point in the checking of CEE files. It now requires all photographic evidence to be:

  • Timestamped: exact date and time of capture embedded
  • Geolocated: GPS coordinates of where the photo was taken
  • Tamper-proof: data protected against any falsification

Goals of this measure:

  • Fight fraud: eliminate fictitious files and recycled or out-of-context photos
  • Guarantee that the work really took place: interventions must happen in the right place, at the right time
  • Strengthen the transparency of the CEE scheme for a better allocation of public funds

Without valid timestamping, your file can be rejected with no appeal → lost time, money and credibility.

The benefits of timestamping (and of dedicated apps)

A simple smartphone photo is no longer enough. Even if a date is displayed, it can be edited. Yet inspection bodies require irrefutable, legally valid evidence.

This is where specialized timestamping apps such as HorodateMe come in. They turn your phone into an official evidence tool.

  • Maximum data security Every photo is timestamped with a cryptographic timestamp compliant with European standards. The date, time or location cannot be changed afterwards.
  • Precise, automatic geolocation The app records the exact GPS coordinates of where the photo was taken, proving that the work was done at the declared address.
  • Centralized management of evidence No more hunting for lost photos in galleries. Everything is organized by site, client or project, with instant sharing.
  • Certified PDF reports Generate a complete report in one click, including the photo, date, time, GPS coordinates and a certificate of authenticity. Ready to send to funders or inspectors.
  • Lower risk of rejection With indisputable evidence, your files pass audits with flying colors. Save time, gain trust, improve profitability.
  • Controlled cost, unlimited volume Tiered pricing by volume, and an unlimited number of photos with no extra storage cost.

How to guarantee the compliance of your files

Follow this simple protocol to avoid any rejection:

Before the work Take a timestamped photo of the initial condition (e.g. uninsulated wall, old boiler).

During the work Document the key steps (laying the insulation, installing the heat pump).

After the work Capture the final result, showing the quality of the execution.

Organize and archive Sort photos by site. Use a business account to manage several team members.

Export and send Generate a certified PDF for each file and send it with your bonus application.

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Recommended solution: HorodateMe

Among the available solutions, HorodateMe stands out as the ideal tool for energy renovation professionals.

eIDAS certification: legally valid evidence

HorodateMe is eIDAS certified (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services), the most demanding European standard for digital security. Your evidence is recognized as valid in court.

Key features:

  • Accurate, secure timestamping (date, time, time zone)
  • Automatic geolocation
  • Centralized management through a business account
  • Secure cloud archiving
  • PDF export with a certificate of authenticity
  • Intuitive interface, even for beginners
  • Dedicated customer support

Compatible with iOS and Android

Download the app on your smartphone or tablet and start capturing compliant evidence in seconds.

Ideal for: installers, renovation companies, energy auditors, building managers.

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Conclusion

The CEE photo timestamping requirement is not a mere formality. It is a major step forward for the reliability, transparency and credibility of the scheme.

Whether you handle a few files a month or hundreds, CEE photo timestamping gives installers, subcontractors and funders one shared, trusted record of every job. Photos are archived securely and exported as certified PDF reports, ready for any audit.

Rather than seeing it as an administrative burden, seize the opportunity to:

  • Drastically reduce the risk of rejection
  • Save time on preparing and tracking files
  • Improve your professional image with clients and funders
  • Protect your company against audits and suspicions of fraud

With a solution like HorodateMe, compliance becomes simple, fast and secure.