The BACS decree was introduced to accelerate the development of building control systems (BMS), with the aim of optimizing energy consumption in buildings. These BMS, also known as Building Management Systems, will be mandatory for many commercial buildings from January 1, 2025. This new decree is a continuation of the tertiary sector eco-energy decree. It is essential to understand not only the purpose of the BACS decree, but also its regulations and implementation.
💡 Understanding the BACS Decree in depth
The BACS decree is a decree provided for by the European directive, as part of the provisions for the energy performance of buildings. Find out more about the decree's definition and key objectives. In this context, it is vital to understand the role and functionalities of GTB Buildingand the impact of the BACS decree on the commercial sector.
Definition and key objectives
BACS stands for Building Automation & Control Systems. The aim of the decree is to determine the various techniques and means of achieving the objectives set by the tertiary decree, which is to reduce consumption in the field. The BACS decree, implemented on July 20, 2020, mandates a building automation and control system, which will begin on January 1ᵉʳ, 2025.
The BACS decree applies to non-residential tertiary buildings equipped with a heating or air-conditioning system with a rated output of over 290 kW. This system may or may not be combined with a ventilation system. Where power exceeds 70 kW, the requirement must be met from 2027.
Target date
January 1st, 2025
BMS systems: role and functions
Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) are required under the BACS decree. The aim of BMS is to provide global supervision of technical installations, to optimize a building's energy performance.
BMS systems have several functionalities to fulfil their role:
- continuous monitoring, recording and analysis
- locating energy efficiency
- autonomous management
- ability to communicate with other systems
How is the BACS decree transforming the service sector?
Even if the BACS decree is an additional obligation for the tertiary sector, the energy performance of tertiary buildings will be improved to encourage the ecological transition of the building and public works sector.
🔎 Detailed analysis of BACS regulations
For a better understanding of the BACS regulations, find out about their criteria and requirements, as well as the categorization of buildings and the applicability of the decree. There's also an application timetable and deadlines to be taken into account.
Criteria and specific requirements of the decree
The BACS decree must make it possible to monitor, record and analyze the building's energy consumption data, as well as to adjust the consumption of the various technical systems in real time, according to its needs.
The BACS decree must be able to detect and alert operating managers in the event of consumption drift, without taking account of operating faults. This avoids over-consumption and additional maintenance costs.
Building categorization and applicability
Buildings covered by the BACS decree are those housing tertiary activities and equipped with a heating system with a rated output of over 70 kW.
It is not compulsory for existing buildings, which can justify that the installation of such a system would not be feasible, thanks to a return on investment of less than 10 years.
Application timetable and key deadlines
For power ratings over 290 kW, the system must be installed before 2025, and before 2027 for power ratings over 70 kW. On April 7, 2023, a new provision in the decree will require periodic inspection of control systems, which will take place every 2 to 5 years.
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⚙️ Technical and Technological Implications of the BACS Decree
The BACS decree requires a high level of technical and technological involvement, particularly in terms of the various BMS innovations that will have an impact on energy performance.
BMS innovations and their impact on energy performance
Building automation systems have a major impact on the energy efficiency of buildings. The intelligent programming that makes up these systems optimizes energy resources and their use, adapting them to the needs of occupants.
Standard NF EN ISO 52120-1 : 2022 and its application
The new NF EN ISO 52120-1 standard requires BMS systems to provide a multitude of control functions, including Class B or A functions such as energy monitoring.
Class A to C BMS systems: comparison and advantages
According to EN-15232, BMS systems are classified according to their performance. Class A corresponds to the most energy-efficient with high energy performance. Class B stands for advanced GTB, while class C corresponds to a standard GTB, which is taken as a reference.
Upgrading from a C to a B class gives you 15% energy savings, while upgrading from a C to an A class offers between 25% and 30% energy savings.
📃 Financing and Subsidies: Making the most of CEE
To subsidize the installation of a BMS in your building, you can take advantage of the CEE bonus scheme.
Understanding Energy Savings Certificates (CEE)
The Certificats d'Économies d'Énergie, or CEE bonus, is a private subsidy paid out by fuel and energy suppliers.
Examples of CEE-funded BMS projects
To be eligible for CEEfinancing, your project must involve "installing a building management system for heating and, where applicable, domestic hot water, cooling/air-conditioning, lighting and auxiliaries".
For example, the installation of a new BMS, and a class A system, in a 10,000 m² logistics warehouse.
Guide to obtaining CEE subsidies for your BMS project
To obtain CEE subsidies, before applying, simply check that you meet certain conditions:
- commercial building over 2 years old
- new purchase of a BMS, or upgrade of an existing BMS
- GTB must be class A or B
📐 Practical implementation of the BACS Decree
So, depending on your building, it's essential to get ready to comply with the BACS decree, and guarantee a smooth transition to better energy performance.
Key steps to compliance with the decree
The first step in complying with the decree is to regulate ventilation, air-conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment, all of which consume a lot of energy.
Then choose your type of control, between programmed, reactive or predictive. This not only saves you energy, it also saves you money.
Inspections and frequencies: what you need to know
Inspections will take place every 2 to 5 years, and will involve monitoring the correct operation and calibration of the BMS system, not just its installation!
Tips for a successful transition to BACS compliance
To make a successful transition to BACS compliance, it's essential to make a gradual transition, find out about the decree and its objectives, and also apply for a CEE premium for the right financial support.
🌎 The BACS Decree as a CSR lever
The tertiary sector decree requires buildings to reduce their energy consumption by around 40% by 2030, and 60% by 2050. The BACS decree therefore supports this approach, and is a real opportunity for companies that attach great importance to the energy transition and CSR.