With the rise in energy prices and the fight against climate change, the question of the energy efficiency of tertiary buildings is becoming a major issue for companies. However, many SMEs and mid-sized companies are unable to tackle the subject due to lack of resources, time or information.
What must be kept in mind is that SMEs and mid-sized companies are also subject to the obligations of the Tertiary Decree and the BACS Decree, and in particular that of installing a BMS to control the energy-consuming equipment in their buildings! What if GTB, beyond the obligation, was in fact an economic opportunity?
What is GTB?
What is a GTB used for?
- Heating, air conditioning, ventilation,
- Production of domestic hot water,
- Integrated lighting,
- On-site electricity production,
- Fire systems (alarm, detection),
- Security systems,
- Video surveillance,
- Access, opening of doors…
GTB collects data in real time to optimize energy performance and occupant comfort.
How does a GTB work?
The operation of a BMS is based on the collection of data from IoT sensors. These sensors measure parameters such as temperature, humidity, brightness or energy consumption. This data is then transmitted to a centralized system which analyzes the information to optimize equipment according to needs.
What is the difference between GTB and GTC?
GTB is sometimes confused with Centralized Technical Management (CTM), but there is an important difference between the two. GTB focuses on the supervision and control of technical building equipment. On the other hand, GTC aims only to centralize the management of this equipment, like a central control. GTB therefore offers a greater range of action, but the two systems can be completely complementary.
What are the different classes of GTB?
GTBs are classified according to their energy performance. There are four classes of BMS systems, ranging from class A to class D, depending on their energy efficiency:
Class A: GTB with high energy performance
Class B: Advanced GTB
Class C: Standard GTB
Class D: Energy inefficient GTB
The BACS Decree is compatible with classes A and B, class C may be compatible even if it is not recommended by the Ministry, while class D does not allow compliance with the requirements of the Decree.
Only classes A and B are eligible for financing via Energy Savings Certificates (EEC).
What are the advantages of a GTB?
In a context of unstable energy prices and the fight against climate change, GTB brings great added value to businesses and communities.
Economic :
- Reduction in consumption and operating costs of buildings, offering a rapid return on investment in the majority of cases.
- Revaluation of the real estate stock thanks to a better rating (Eco Energy Tertiary and DPE), increased comfort and good control of costs.
- Regulatory:
- Compliance with the BACS Decree (deadlines 2024, 2025 or 2027 depending on the buildings).
- Contribution to the reduction in consumption imposed by the Tertiary Decree: 40% by 2030.
The life of the company or the community:
- Comfort of occupants thanks to better control of temperature, brightness and security.
- Commitment to a trajectory of reducing environmental impact.
Why does GTB become mandatory?
Understanding the BACS Decree
The BACS Decree (Building Automation and Control System) came into force in 2021. It gradually requires companies and communities to install a BMS in their tertiary buildings.
It is part of the overall dynamic of the Tertiary Decree aimed at massively reducing the energy impact of the tertiary real estate stock in France.
Who is affected by the BACS Decree?
The BACS Decree concerns owners of tertiary buildings: businesses and communities. They must comply by following a timetable defined according to the power of the equipment installed in each building:
- April 8, 2024: New buildings whose equipment has a cumulative nominal power > 70 kW
- January 1, 2025: Existing buildings whose equipment has a cumulative nominal power > 290 kW
- January 1, 2027: Existing buildings whose equipment has a cumulative nominal power > 70 kW
Here is the list of equipment to be included in the calculation of the cumulative power, within the meaning of the Decree:
- Heating, air conditioning, ventilation,
- Production of domestic hot water,
- Integrated lighting,
- On-site electricity production,
- And any system combining these systems.
The BACS Decree therefore concerns a vast typology of buildings: shops, offices or warehouses for example, but also schools, sports infrastructures or town halls on the community side.
Good to know: when the ROI calculated for the installation of a BMS is greater than 10 years, it is possible to obtain an exemption from the BACS Decree for the building concerned.
Which classes of GTB to choose within the framework of the BACS Decree?
In order to comply with the requirements of the BACS Decree, it is recommended to choose a class A or B BMS, which complies with the specified energy performance standards. These classes offer better energy efficiency and more advanced control, which helps achieve the energy consumption reduction targets set by regulations.
If your buildings already have classes C and D, it is possible to eventually upgrade them.
Is GTB profitable?
What is the return on investment of a GTB?
Installing a GTB quickly generates significant savings. However, it is not really relevant to define an average ROI as the building envelope has a great influence on the performance of the building.
For illustration purposes only, installers often highlight a return on investment ranging from 3 to 5 years. Another point of comparison, the State excluded from the BACS Decree
(and therefore exempt from installing a BMS). Thus all buildings whose ROI would be greater than 10 years.
Two elements can contribute to significantly reducing the ROI for the installation of a BMS:
Connection to an energy management platform such as Data MARC, the solution developed by Sobre Energie.
The use of aid and subsidies for initial financing.
How to finance the installation of a GTB?
The main support system for financing a GTB is the use of Energy Savings Certificates (EEC). This premium can cover an amount ranging from a few percent to the entire investment. According to building criteria such as use, climatic zone, heated surface, etc.
Good to know: the CEE bonus is increased until June 30, 2024. The amount is multiplied by 2 for the installation of a BMS and by 1.5 during an upgrade.
Other mechanisms and subsidies exist, such as Eco-PTZ, aid from ADEME and local authorities, the CPE, the EduRenov for schools, etc.
Learn more:
Energy Savings Certificates: the subsidy for GTB