Businesses and communities, have you already heard about the BACS Decree but you don't know exactly if you are affected? Does your real estate portfolio fall within the scope of the Decree? And if so, how can we comply? Find out everything you need to know about the BACS Decree and GTB.
What is the BACS Decree?
What are the obligations under the BACS Decree?
Concretely, the BACS Decree requires owners of new or existing tertiary buildings to equip themselves with an automation and control system to control their energy-consuming equipment:
- Heating, air conditioning, ventilation,
- Production of domestic hot water,
- Integrated lighting,
- On-site electricity production,
- And any equipment combining these systems.
This obligation only applies when the cumulative nominal power of the equipment in a building is greater than 290 kW (for the 2025 deadline) or greater than 70 kW (for the 2027 deadline). When the cumulative rated power of a building's equipment does not exceed 70 kW, it is exempt.
What are the deadlines for the BACS Decree?
The timetable for application of the BACS Decree is as follows:
- April 8, 2024 for new buildings whose equipment has a cumulative nominal power greater than 70 kW.
- January 1, 2025 for existing buildings whose equipment has a cumulative nominal power greater than 290 kW.
- January 1, 2027 for existing buildings whose equipment has a cumulative nominal power greater than 70 kW.
This is each time the deadline for the installation of a new BMS (Technical Building Management), or the upgrade of an existing BMS to the standards set by the Decree.
Who is affected by the BACS Decree?
The BACS Decree concerns owners of buildings for tertiary use:
- office buildings,
- Shops and shopping centers
- Hotels and restaurants,
- Warehouse, logistics premises,
- Healthcare facilities
- Etc
For communities also the Decree applies:
- Hospitals,
- Schools,
- Town halls,
- Sports infrastructure,
- Etc
Who is exempt from the BACS Decree?
When it is technically or economically impossible to use a BMS system, the building is exempt. The owner must prove that the installation is not feasible with an ROI of less than 10 years.
What is a GTB?
Professionals in the sector speak of BMS (Technical Building Management) to designate an automation and controls system (BACS). This system is used to supervise, optimize and control the technical installations of a tertiary building:
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems,
- Plumbing installations,
- Distribution and production of electricity,
- lighting,
- Security, video surveillance, access control,
- Fire-fighting devices: alarms, extinguishing, etc.
What is the difference between GTB and GTC?
The Decree clearly differentiates between Technical Building Management (BTM) and Centralized Technical Management (GTC). These two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings.
GTB gives a global vision of all the technical installations of a building: electricity, heating, air conditioning and ventilation for example. GTC, or home automation, gives control over the technical parameters of a lot, electricity or heating for example, like a remote control.
BMS and GTC can therefore be complementary, this is particularly the case in industrial complexes for the management of complex installations.
What is the difference between GTB and GTC?
The regulations distinguish BMS systems based on their energy performance. There are four classes of BMS systems:
Class A: GTB with high energy performance
Class B: Advanced GTB
Class C: Standard GTB
Class D: Energy inefficient GTB
Classes A and B are compatible with the objectives of the BACS Decree, class C may be compatible even if it is not recommended by the Ministry, and class D does not allow compliance with the requirements of the Decree.
What are the advantages of GTB for businesses and communities?
By optimizing energy control and management, GTB offers several advantages:
Reduction in operational costs of buildings: up to 30% savings on heating for an office building with the transition to the latest generation GTB (class A).
Improved occupant comfort through precise regulation of temperature, lighting, and other parameters.
Revaluation of the real estate stock thanks to cost reduction and improved comfort, but also thanks to a better Tertiary Eco Energy rating.
How to comply with the BACS Decree?
Now that we have addressed the technical aspects of the BACS Decree and the GTB, let's move on to the central question: how to comply with the regulations?
Should I have my equipment audited?
This audit is not obligatory but it is strongly recommended to exploit the full potential of your investment.
Which GTB to choose?
The choice of GTB is an important decision in the process of compliance with the BACS Decree.
For a new GTB, only class A or B systems meet the requirements of the Decree. Upgrading from a Class C or D GTB may also make sense.
The choice will depend on:
- the complexity of your equipment,
- your specific needs based on your activity,
- of the ROI calculated on the basis of estimated energy savings.
The decree provides for a mandatory inspection within 2 years following the installation of the GTB.
How to finance the installation of a GTB?
Several aids and subsidies can help you cover the costs of installing your GTB. Energy Savings Certificates (EEC) are the most important system. In certain specific cases, they even allow up to 100% of the investment to be financed! The CEE premium however depends on:
- the typology of the building,
- its surface area,
- its climatic zone,
- the lifespan of the system in question.
Other mechanisms exist, such as aid from ADEME, Eco-PTZ, CPE or subsidies at the local level. To make sure you don't miss any, contact our partner La Banque Postale as part of its Subzen .
Good to know: the CEE bonus is “enhanced” until June 30, 2024. Its amount is multiplied by 2 for a new GTB and by 1.5 for the upgrade of an existing one. Don't delay!
