In September 2024, ESREI and OID published a detailed study on the implementation of building automation and control systems (BACS) in the different member states of the European Union. Indeed, the European Union, in its quest for decarbonization and energy efficiency, relies on ambitious regulations for the real estate sector, responsible for 40% of final energy consumption and 36% of gas emissions. greenhouse effect. The new decree relating to building automation and control systems (BACS), resulting from the European directive on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD) updated in 2024, aims to modernize non-residential buildings by imposing the installation of these intelligent systems to optimize energy consumption.
The challenge for the EU is twofold: to harmonize the efforts of each Member State in order to achieve a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and to ensure that countries align with similar thresholds and deadlines to ensure collective effectiveness and maximum impact. However, not all Member States are moving forward at the same pace. While some countries such as France anticipated the directives by adopting stricter thresholds (70 kW), others, such as Spain, are lagging behind, which risks compromising the effectiveness of the plan on a large scale. European.
In this context, the article looks at three of the largest European markets: France, Germany and Spain, in order to understand how each of them is approaching the implementation of the BACS decree. The objective is to identify the leaders, the laggards, and to see how this dynamic influences the overall progress of the European Union towards its 2030 and 2050 objectives.
The BACS Decree in France: A European pioneer
According to ESREI analysis, France is one of the countries furthest ahead in implementing the BACS decree in Europe. The country has not only anticipated the requirements of the European EPBD directive adopted in 2024, but has also integrated stricter thresholds into its national legislation, such as that of 70 kW applicable from 2025.
This anticipation allows France to avoid recurring inspections for buildings equipped with BACS, which simplifies the management of large non-residential areas while guaranteeing compliance with European requirements in the longer term.
In addition, France imposes a five-year data archiving obligation for BACS systems, allowing precise monitoring and in-depth analysis of energy performance. However, the country still needs to make progress in assessing the quality of the indoor environment, a criterion recently added to European legislation but not yet fully transposed into the French regulatory framework.
Germany: An ambitious but progressive approach
As mentioned in Maxime Duvauchelle's article , Germany has opted for a structured but staggered implementation of the BACS decree. The country plans to reach an obligation threshold of 290 kW for BACS systems by 2025, but without an intermediate threshold of 70 kW like France.
Germany, while guaranteeing a general obligation for non-residential buildings, has chosen not to include economic exemptions. This approach demonstrates a desire to impose universal adoption of BACS, regardless of the size of buildings, in order to maximize impact in the medium and long term.
Despite this, the absence of stricter intermediate standards could limit the immediate impact of the regulation. However, this progressive strategy makes it possible to manage transitions by minimizing obstacles for German companies and property managers, who will thus benefit from a more flexible adaptation to new European energy standards.
Spain: Compliance still limited but about to accelerate
Spain is identified in the ESRAE report as being behind other European countries, with regulations that still largely need to be adapted. The country plans to only implement BACS for non-residential buildings above 290 kW by 2025, with no clear plan to reach the 70 kW threshold before the end of the decade.
This late approach risks slowing down the energy efficiency gains expected by the European directive, which pushes for rapid decarbonization of the real estate sector. Spain will likely need to adjust its regulations in the short term to fully comply with new European requirements by 2030, notably by aligning its thresholds with those of countries like France.
However, the BACS decree is planned to come into force gradually by the end of 2025, with clear objectives of alignment with European directives. The initial threshold set at 290 kW for BACS systems in non-residential buildings must be respected before this date, allowing large infrastructures to be targeted first. According to a recent article by Maxime Duvauchelle, “a draft transposition of the BACS legislation submitted 3 months ago, a revised CEE sheet to increase the amount of aid for the installation of a GTB (BACS),” show that the arrival of the BACS obligation would be imminent in Spain.
Summary: Compliance trends in Europe
France is leading the way in compliance and proactivity, having anticipated and incorporated strict thresholds that facilitate the adoption of BACS and reduce the need for future inspections. This model could serve as an example for other European countries, highlighting the importance of anticipating regulatory obligations to better prepare the real estate sector.
Germany is following a structured but slower strategy, seeking to impose BACS systematically without economic exemptions, showing a clear but progressive commitment to achieving the objectives of the EPBD Directive.
On the other hand, Spain, which has fallen behind, will have to intensify its efforts to adjust its standards and comply with European requirements. This delay, however, seems to have been taken into account by the Spanish authorities, which wish to comply with harmonization and accelerate the overall impact of BACS on its territory.
In conclusion, while some countries like France and Germany are leading the way, aligning efforts across Europe remains crucial to achieving the EU's climate targets by 2030 and 2050, while ensuring a building smarter and more energy efficient European country.
Although the ESREI study characterizes Spain as a laggard, the Spanish authorities are now showing a desire to accelerate to close this gap. This reflects a dynamic of gradual harmonization of BACS in Europe, where traditionally slower countries are catching up with pioneers such as France and Germany. However, the true measure of this harmonization will lie in the reality of the projects deployed and the figures achieved. In France, the crucial step will be compliance on January 1, 2025, when the first non-residential buildings will have to integrate BACS systems, thus marking a turning point in the country's energy transition.
Sources:
- ESREI (European Sustainable Real Estate Initiative), Sustainable Real Estate Observatory. BACS in Europe: Implementing Smart Solutions - Executive Summary. September 2024. This report provides an in-depth analysis of European regulations relating to Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS), highlighting evolving national requirements and compliance dynamics across several European countries. Available from: ESREI - Sustainable Real Estate Observatory
- Maxime Duvauchelle at Alva System , Germany launches its BACS decree. LinkedIn, September 2024. This article highlights Germany's approach to implementing BACS requirements and analyzes the medium-term implications for the German real estate sector. Direct access to the article: Germany launches its BACS decree - LinkedIn
- Maxime Duvauchelle at Alva System , Spain prepares its BACS Decree LinkedIn, October 2024. This article highlights Spain's recent developments in the implementation of BACS requirements.