Towards improved energy efficiency in buildings
The BACS decree (Building Automation & Control Systems) is a French regulation that is part of the European directive on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD). This decree aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings by requiring the installation of building automation and control systems (BACS) to optimize their energy consumption. Here is a detailed overview of the BACS decree:
1. Background and Objectives
- European context : The BACS decree is part of the transposition into French law of the European directive 2018/844/EU, which amends the EPBD directive (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive). This directive encourages Member States to adopt measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
- Objectives : The main objective of the BACS decree is to reduce the energy consumption of buildings by optimizing the operation of technical systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting and sanitary hot water, through intelligent automation and control systems.
2. Scope of application
- Buildings concerned : The decree applies mainly to tertiary buildings (offices, shops, public buildings, etc.) whose technical systems (heating, air conditioning, etc.) exceed a certain nominal power. Residential buildings are not directly affected by this decree, but may be subject to other similar regulations.
- System power : The decree requires the installation of BACS systems for buildings whose nominal heating and air conditioning system power exceeds 290 kW. This limit is set to target large buildings, where the gains in energy efficiency are the most significant.
3. Technical requirements
- BACS system installation : The buildings concerned must be equipped with automation and control systems that can automatically monitor, analyze and adjust energy consumption according to real needs. These systems should allow:
- Remote management and control of equipment.
- Optimizing energy use in real time.
- Interoperability with other building management systems.
- The provision of energy performance indicators.
- Ongoing monitoring : BACS must be able to continuously monitor energy systems, detect anomalies, and alert managers in case of malfunction or overconsumption.
4. Deadlines and Compliance
- New buildings : For new buildings or buildings undergoing significant renovation, the decree applies immediately during construction or renovation.
- Existing buildings : Existing buildings must comply with the BACS decree before January 1, 2025. This deadline gives building owners and managers time to adapt their facilities to meet new requirements.
5. Sanctions and controls
- Penalties : Buildings that do not comply with the BACS decree by the due date may be subject to sanctions. These may include fines or other administrative penalties.
- Controls : Regular inspections are planned to verify the compliance of buildings with the requirements of the decree. These inspections can be carried out by certified organizations or by the administration.
6. Expected impact
- Reduction in energy consumption : The BACS decree should allow a significant reduction in the energy consumption of the buildings concerned, thus contributing to the achievement of national and European objectives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improving comfort : By optimizing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, BACS can also improve the comfort of building occupants.
- Return on investment : Although the installation of BACS systems can represent a high initial cost, the energy savings achieved can lead to a rapid return on investment, especially in large tertiary buildings.
7. BACS technologies and solutions
- Building Management Systems (BMS) : These systems centralize the control of the various technical installations of the building, allowing optimized energy management.
- Sensors and actuators : These devices make it possible to collect data in real time on building conditions (temperature, humidity, occupancy, etc.) and to adjust the systems accordingly.
- Energy management platforms : Software solutions make it possible to analyze the data collected and to optimize the energy performance of the building.
8. Link to other regulations
- Tertiary decree : The BACS decree complements other measures such as the Tertiary Decree, which imposes objectives to reduce energy consumption in tertiary buildings.
- Environmental regulations : BACS is part of a wider framework of regulations aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, by improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
The BACS decree is therefore a key step in the energy transition of buildings in France, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the tertiary sector by integrating advanced automation technologies.
