Dupli_ Revision of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The revision of the EU-EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive) will lead to new requirements for the construction sector. Intelligent building automation technologies and services will support the path to zero-emission, digital buildings.

In early May, the European Union published a comprehensive review of its Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which sets specific requirements and targets for the energy efficiency and intelligence of buildings across the EU. These apply to both residential and non-residential buildings.

In the EU Member States, new buildings must gradually be constructed as zero-emission buildings. This means that these buildings may not generate any CO₂ emissions on-site through the use of fossil fuels. They must also be able to adapt their energy consumption, energy generation, and energy storage as needed. This applies to new public buildings from 1 January 2028 and to all new buildings from 1 January 2030.(1) Furthermore, each Member State must establish one or more national databases for the energy performance of buildings.

Requirements with a focus on building technology

The most important changes according to eu.bac, the European Association for Building Automation:

Extended requirements for Building Management Systems (BACS)

• In non-residential buildings, building management systems must be installed when the rated output for heating systems, air-conditioning systems, combined space heating and ventilation systems, or combined air-conditioning and ventilation systems is 70 kW or more (the previous threshold was 290 kW and applies until the end of 2024; the new deadline is the end of 2029).
• From May 2026, new and extensively renovated residential buildings will also be required to implement mandatory building automation functions.
• In addition, non-residential buildings must be equipped with automatic lighting controls. These automatic lighting controls must be properly zoned and have presence detection.

Focus on indoor environmental quality (IEQ)

• For the first time, the EPBD has set standards for healthy indoor air quality and requires Member States to implement these standards.
• Intelligent technologies are recognized as important for effective indoor air quality monitoring and reporting, enhancing the functions of building automation systems.

“Smart Readiness Indicator” (SRI)
The Smart Readiness Indicator is a rating system that determines a building's intelligence and evaluates its technological maturity, with regard to the building's ability to communicate with occupants and the energy grid, and the efficiency of its management functions.

• The European Commission is expected to report on SRI testing in June 2026 and to prepare a legislative instrument by June 2027 making the use of SRI mandatory for large non-residential buildings.

Hydronic balancing

• New buildings and buildings replacing their heating or cooling generators must introduce self-regulating devices for individual temperature control and hydronic balancing.

Unless otherwise stated, the new provisions must be implemented by the Member States within 24 months, i.e. by 29 May 2026 at the latest.

Inspection obligation with reporting

In addition, Member States must introduce regulations for the regular inspection of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems with a nominal output exceeding 70 kW. This inspection requirement applies to both residential and non-residential buildings, with different requirements depending on the size of the system:

• Systems over 290 kW must be inspected at least every three years.

• Systems over 70 kW must be inspected at least every five years.

The inspection covers the efficiency and sizing of the systems, as well as the possibility of adjusting temperature settings and reducing the use of fossil fuels or using renewable energy. Installations in buildings with building automation or contractually agreed efficiency targets are exempt from the inspection requirement. Member States may also implement alternative measures with an equivalent effect. After the inspection, a report with recommendations must be prepared and uploaded to the national database for energy efficiency in buildings.(2)

Benefit from SAUTER's expertise within the group

The revised guidelines offer enormous potential for reducing energy consumption, improving occupant well-being, and preparing for an emission-free, digital construction sector. As a manufacturer and service provider in building automation, SAUTER supports your customers in finding solutions, planning, and implementing them.

Please contact our sales department.

(1) More details can be found in Article 7 of the EPBD.
(2) Further information can be found in Articles 23 and 24 of the EPBD.

Download media release

About SAUTER

Whether new construction, renovation, or building management – SAUTER is your reliable partner for sustainability, operational safety, and comfort in real estate. With our intelligent solutions for building control, room automation, and technical facility management, we protect your investment and support you in achieving your ESG objectives. We create sustainable environments. Since 1910.

The SAUTER Group

• Global company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland

• Technology leader in building automation, systems integration and building services

• Focus: maximum energy efficiency and sustainability

• Objective: Investment and operational safety throughout the entire life cycle of the building

• Member of the BACnet Interest Group (BIG-EU), BACnet International, EnOcean Alliance  and back

The post Dupli_ Revision of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive appeared first on SAUTER Netherlands.

Source: https://www.sauter-controls.nl/herziening-van-de-eu-richtlijn-energieprestatie-van-gebouwen/