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.
What is the difference between GTB and GTC?
It is common to confuse GTB with Centralized Technical Management (CTM). The main difference is the scope of control. GTB takes care of technical management at the local level, i.e. within the building or site, while GTC manages several sites or buildings from a central control center.
For SMEs and mid-sized companies, BMS is often the most suitable solution, because it allows precise control at the local level without the complexity of centralized management. This is good: the BACS Decree only concerns the installation of a BMS.
What are the advantages of a GTB for SMEs and mid-sized companies?
Save energy
Between 2019 and 2022, the price of gas for SMEs and mid-sized companies doubled on average, going from €35/MWh to €70/MWH. GTB stands out as a suitable solution in this environment of volatile and illegible prices. It allows you to save energy: up to 30% on heating for a latest generation GTB!
This results in reduced energy bills, which can have a significant impact on operating costs.
Improve occupant comfort
At the same time, the GTB improves occupant comfort by maintaining optimal temperature and light conditions.
Upgrade your buildings
With optimization of operating costs, simplified maintenance, increased comfort for occupants, and an improved Eco Energy Tertiary or DPE rating, the real estate value of your buildings increases significantly. Whether for rental or sale.
Reduce your environmental impact and comply
Finally, GTB helps reduce the carbon footprint of your buildings. You play an active role in the fight against climate change while steering your trajectory within the framework of the Tertiary Decree.
BACS decree: is GTB compulsory for SMEs and mid-sized companies?
Understanding the BACS Decree
The BACS Decree (Building Automation and Control System), resulting from the Tertiary Decree, became effective on July 21, 2021. It requires owners of tertiary buildings, whether new or already existing, to equip themselves with a BMS.
You have until:
- April 8, 2024 for new buildings whose equipment has a cumulative nominal power > 70 kW
- January 1, 2025 for existing buildings whose equipment has a cumulative nominal power > 290 kW
- January 1, 2027 for existing buildings whose equipment has a cumulative nominal power > 70 kW
Good to know: The BACS Decree only focuses on the most energy-consuming equipment:
- Heating, air conditioning, ventilation,
- Production of domestic hot water,
- Integrated lighting,
- On-site electricity production,
- And any system combining these systems
- On-site electricity production,
- And any system combining these systems
SME-ETI: who is affected by the BACS Decree?
SMEs and mid-sized companies with tertiary buildings are affected by the BACS Decree. If the rated power of the equipment exceeds the thresholds mentioned, they must comply with these regulations.
The buildings can be businesses, offices, warehouses, hotels, sports or medical facilities, establishments open to the public, etc.
Good to know: if the ROI for the installation of a GTB exceeds 10 years, the building concerned is exempt.
SME-ETI: who is affected by the BACS Decree?
Under the BACS Decree, companies have the choice between different classes of BMS depending on their specific needs. Classes A and B, compliant with standard NF EN ISO 52120-1: 2022, are the most appropriate to guarantee high energy performance.
The choice will depend on the complexity of the equipment and the energy management requirements of the company.
Good to know: If your buildings are already equipped with a class C or D BMS, an upgrade may be considered.
SMEs and ETIs: how to choose and finance a GTB?
Budget, class A or class B: how to choose the right GTB solution?
The choice of GTB class will depend on the budget and the needs linked to the company's activity. Companies with greater financial resources can opt for a class A BMS, offering advanced features and superior energy performance. For SMEs and mid-sized companies with smaller budgets, a class B GTB can offer an excellent compromise between performance and cost.
A case-by-case energy study or audit is necessary to estimate:
The most interesting return on investment,
The associated energy gains, in particular to comply with the trajectory imposed by the Tertiary Decree.
What aid and subsidies are available to finance GTB in an SME or ETI?
The advantage is that SMEs and ETIs are eligible for numerous aids and subsidies to finance the installation of a GTB:
- The enhanced CEE bonus until June 30, 2024
- Aid from ADEME
- The different systems put in place by local authorities
- The CITE (Energy Transition Tax Credit), transformed into a bonus in 2020, but which can sometimes remain applicable for work started upstream.
- CPE (Energy Performance Contracts)
- Eco-PTZ
- Green loans
- Bpifrance financing
- Some aid from Europe
Good to know: so as not to miss out on any assistance to which you are entitled, call on our partner La Banque Postale with its Subzen offer!
What is the return on investment of a GTB for an SME or an ETI?
However, the savings observed on energy costs in the short term quickly return the initial investment. We generally talk about ROI between 3 and 5 years, but these figures should be taken with a grain of salt as the building envelope remains important for the energy efficiency of the building.
By investing in a GTB, you not only meet the requirements of the BACS Decree , but you also save on your costs while reducing your environmental impact.
