eu.bac Engages European Commission Leadership to Drive Energy and Digital Transitions
As the European Union advances its green and digital transitions, eu.bac has reached out to six key European Commissioners to highlight the role of Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) in achieving Europe’s climate, energy, and industrial policy objectives.
This week, eu.bac has sent letters to:
- Teresa Ribera Rodríguez (Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition) – Highlighting how BACS ensures a socially inclusive and sustainable energy transition.
- Stéphane Séjourné (Prosperity and Industrial Strategy) – Calling for BACS integration in the Clean Industrial Deal to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.
- Henna Virkkunen (Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy) – Emphasizing the role of digitalization, resilience, and European technological leadership in the built environment.
- Dan Jørgensen (Energy and Housing) – Advocating for a stronger deployment of BACS in energy efficiency strategies and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
- Valdis Dombrovskis (Economy and Productivity) – Promoting the simplification of regulatory implementation and enhancing productivity through digitalization.
- Wopke Hoekstra (Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth) – Pushing for accelerated building decarbonization and stronger financial support for clean energy solutions.
BACS at the Heart of the EU’s Policy Priorities
The letters come at a pivotal moment as the EU focuses on industrial competitiveness, energy resilience, and social fairness. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is entering the national implementation phase, while discussions on the Clean Industrial Deal and the Net-Zero Industry Act shape Europe’s economic and energy future. Additionally, digital sovereignty and technological innovation are gaining prominence in the EU’s legislative agenda.
eu.bac’s advocacy underscores the economic and environmental impact of BACS:
- Energy efficiency: BACS reduce building energy consumption by 26-52%, with an average payback period of three years.
- Strengthening Europe’s energy transition: Smart technologies enhance demand-side flexibility, integrate renewable energy while ensuring grid stability, and interoperability.
- Supporting a clean, just, and competitive transition: BACS improve indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and well-being—ensuring healthier, more efficient buildings while reducing energy waste.
A recent eu.bac study conducted by the Politecnico di Milano’s Energy & Strategy Group further substantiates these benefits. The study reveals that implementing BACS can improve a building’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating by at least one class, with an average cost below €10 per square meter for residential buildings and €7.5 per square meter for non-residential buildings. This cost-effective enhancement is pivotal for meeting the EU’s ambitious energy efficiency targets and ensuring informed, data-driven decisions in building renovations.
A Call for Strategic Action
eu.bac urges the European Commission to prioritize:
- Full implementation of the EPBD, ensuring BACS deployment in all buildings.
- Stronger support for clean and digital technologies through EU funding programs like Horizon Europe and InvestEU.
- A policy framework that enhances resilience and interoperability, ensuring secure smart building solutions.
As Europe moves towards a digital, sustainable, and resilient future, eu.bac remains committed to collaborating with policymakers to drive innovation and economic growth. Read the full letters below.