Webinar Recap: Unlocking EPC Gains with Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS)

On November 28, 2024, eu.bac hosted a compelling webinar titled Boosting Building Efficiency: Unlocking EPC Gains with BACS. This event brought together policy experts, researchers, and industry leaders to delve into how Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) can significantly enhance energy efficiency and transform Europe’s building stock. Here’s a summary of the key discussions and findings.

Why BACS Matter More Than Ever

Buildings account for 40% of Europe’s energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring their critical role in meeting the EU’s ambitious climate goals. The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), adopted in May 2024, prioritizes integrating BACS to improve energy efficiency, achieve decarbonization targets, and enhance indoor environmental quality (IEQ).

Key Insights from the Politecnico di Milano Study

Leonardo Mondonico, part of the Politecnico di Milano research team, presented findings from their comprehensive study, which assessed the role of BACS in improving Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) across Europe. Key takeaways include:

1. EPC Class Improvements:
   • BACS adoption leads to an improvement of 1-2 EPC classes, especially in older and non-residential buildings.
   • These systems are critical for achieving Zero Energy Building (ZEB) standards.
2. Cost-Effectiveness:
   • Initial investment costs for BACS are modest, ranging from €1,100 for a 110 sqm apartment (Class B BACS).
   • Payback periods are 3-4 years, with lifetime savings significantly outweighing upfront costs.
3. Energy Efficiency:
   • Class A and B BACS can reduce energy consumption by up to 62% in non-residential buildings.
   • BACS are particularly impactful in low-performing, older buildings.
4. Regional Investment:
   • Full-scale adoption of BACS in the residential sector would require €10-50 billion per region.
   • For non-residential buildings, investments range from €5-7 billion per region, yielding substantial energy savings and EPC gains.

BACS and MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards)

The study highlighted how BACS play a pivotal role in meeting MEPS targets:

• Non-Residential Buildings:
  • To achieve a 16% renovation rate, 570 million sqm would require an investment of €4 billion (Class A BACS).
  • For a 26% renovation rate, 1 billion sqm would cost €7 billion.
• Residential Buildings:
  • Achieving a 16% reduction in Primary Energy Demand (PED) involves improving 25 million buildings, costing €34 billion.
  • A 22% PED reduction would require 35 million buildings and €48 billion.

Challenges in BACS Adoption

The webinar underscored several obstacles:

1. Awareness and Training:
   • Many building stakeholders lack understanding of BACS’ capabilities.
2. Integration in Renovation:
   • In residential settings, BACS are often seen as optional add-ons rather than integral to energy renovation projects.
3. Compliance Issues:
   • Member states lag in implementing EPBD-mandated BACS requirements effectively.

Recommendations for Accelerating Adoption

The panel outlined measures to drive BACS implementation:

• Technical Guidance: Tools like compliance checklists and detailed guidelines are essential for stakeholders.
• Regulatory Support: Clear and consistent implementation of EPBD provisions across member states.
• Awareness Campaigns: Educating building owners, facility managers, and policymakers on BACS’ benefits.
• Incentives: Subsidies, tax incentives, or low-interest loans to offset initial installation costs.

Economic and Societal Impact

Investing in BACS bolsters Europe’s robust value chain, creating jobs for skilled technicians, installers, and system integrators. Moreover, BACS act as a “multiplier effect,” facilitating the adoption of complementary energy-efficient technologies like solar panels and low-temperature heating systems.

Looking Ahead

The webinar concluded with a call to action: building a future where BACS are central to smarter, greener, and more sustainable buildings. The integration of these systems is not just an investment in energy efficiency but a step toward creating intelligent, interconnected buildings that support Europe’s climate goals.

You can download the full story below and find additional resources on eu.bac’s website. Let’s work together to create safer, smarter, and more energy-efficient buildings across Europe!

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