Publication of Ecodesign preparatory study for Building Automation and Control Systems
In May 2023, the Commission Published the Ecodesign preparatory study for Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS). This study was carried out to prepare for implementing the Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC) concerning BACS. It was commissioned by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy and aimed to examine the technical, economic, environmental, market, and societal aspects of BACS.
The primary goal of this investigation is to collect empirical evidence and explore potential policy choices for BACS within the context of enhanced regulation. Furthermore, the study seeks to identify any overlaps with ongoing preparatory research and regulations. An initial scoping study affirmed that BACS holds significant potential in reducing building energy consumption and proposed a function-oriented approach that concentrates on managing the Technical Building System (TBS).
Based on the findings, it is suggested that the standard EN 15232 could serve as an initial reference for defining BACS functions. Higher levels of functions are shown to always translate into higher energy and CO2 savings. Therefore, BACS should be rolled out more ambitiously across the EU Building sector. Hence, the current review of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) should require EU Member States to do more in non-residential and residential buildings.