In France, the BACS (Building Automation & Control Systems) Decree and the Tertiary Sector Decree play a key role in improving the energy performance of buildings. These regulations require the installation of automation and control systems, as well as a gradual reduction in energy consumption in the tertiary sector. But what about other European countries? Several equivalent regulations exist, each falling under the broader framework of the European Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD).
The European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
The EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive) forms the foundation of energy policies for buildings in Europe. It imposes requirements on Member States regarding energy efficiency, monitoring, and consumption management. The latest revision, adopted in 2023, strengthens the requirement to install automation and control systems in commercial buildings, thereby aligning national regulations with carbon neutrality goals.
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A closer look at a few European countries
Germany: the EnEV and the GEG
In Germany, the main regulation governing building energy efficiency was the EnEV (Energy Saving Ordinance). Since 2020, it has been replaced by the Building Energy Act (Gebäudeenergiegesetz – GEG), which requires the installation of energy management systems in buildings with a capacity exceeding 290 kW.
United Kingdom: Part L and ESOS
Although the United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU, it has implemented similar measures through Part L of the Building Regulations, which governs the energy consumption of buildings. In addition, the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) requires large companies to conduct regular energy audits to optimize their energy consumption.
Spain: The CTE and the Climate Change Act
Spain relies on the Technical Building Code (CTE), which includes requirements for the automation of energy systems. In addition, the Climate Change and Energy Transition Act, adopted in 2021, sets ambitious targets for reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings.
Italy: EPBD and Energy Efficiency Certificates (TEE)
In Italy, the European EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive), transposed by Legislative Decree No. 48/2020, requires, among other things, the installation of building automation and control systems (equivalent to the BACS decree in France) in non-residential buildings with a power rating exceeding 290 kW by 2025. At the same time, the Titoli di Efficienza Energetica (TEE), or White Certificates, are an incentive mechanism that rewards energy efficiency measures implemented—particularly in commercial buildings—by awarding tradable certificates to operators who have achieved measurable energy savings. These two mechanisms actively contribute to improving the energy performance of Italy’s building stock.
Netherlands: The BENG Standard and the EPC Label
The Netherlands applies the BENG (Bijna Energie Neutraal Gebouw) standard, which requires new buildings to be nearly energy-neutral. In addition, the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), known locally as the Energielabel, assesses the energy efficiency of buildings. This label rates buildings on a scale from A++ (very energy-efficient) to G (very energy-intensive), similar to the classifications used in the European Union.
Conclusion
While France is implementing the BACS and tertiary decrees to reduce energy consumption in buildings, other European countries have introduced equivalent measures as part of the same initiative. Regulatory harmonization at the European level, particularly through the EPBD Directive, reinforces these requirements, making energy management systems an essential component of the green transition in the building sector.
The use of Enless wireless sensors is a key solution for implementing these energy efficiency regulations. These devices play a crucial role in monitoring and optimizing building energy performance by providing accurate data on temperature, humidity, and energy consumption. Thanks to their long battery life and reliable wireless communication, Enless sensors help building managers comply with regulations while achieving significant energy savings.
