What is the BACS decree? The decree on automation and control systems for commercial buildings (known as the BACS decree) makes it compulsory, by the end of 2024, to install a BMS in all new and existing buildings with a heating or air-conditioning capacity in excess of 290 kW.
According to the decree, the BMS must control at least the functions of heating, cooling, ventilation, domestic hot water production, lighting and on-site electricity production. New decree to tighten obligations Regulatory constraints on the obligation to install BMSs under the BACS decree are set to get tougher with the publication of a new decree very soon. It will make it mandatory to install a BMS from 70kW of heating or air-conditioning output (versus 290kW in the initial decree) for new buildings one year after publication of the decree, and from 2027 for existing buildings.
This new threshold of 70kW, which corresponds to a building surface area of around 1000m2, extends the number of companies and buildings subject to the obligation. It also reinforces the maintenance requirement for technical systems connected to a BMS, and introduces a mandatory inspection of these same BMS to verify their proper operation over time and compliance with the decree’s provisions.
Financial assistance for companies installing a system GTB system installation currently benefits from advantageous aid in the form of Energy Savings Certificates (CEE). These are obtained for the installation of a BMS or the upgrading of an existing system. The condition for these CEE is that the installation project must be undertaken before January 1, 2025. What’s more, to accelerate the deployment of these control systems, an additional subsidy has been created for the installation or upgrading of a GTB system by the end of 2023.
This bonus multiplies CEE grants by a factor of 1.5 to 2. So don’t delay in installing or upgrading your centralized control system to benefit. An apparent constraint that represents a new lever for energy transition Installing a centralized control system is the first step in a plan to reduce energy consumption across a portfolio of buildings. In fact, BMS is an operational tool that can only help you achieve the objectives of the BACS decree, as well as the tertiary sector decree, which calls for a substantial reduction in energy consumption by 2023.
And, even if many professionals see these decrees and their amendments as a major constraint and a major investment to be made in the more or less short term, this obligation can only help companies to take concrete action to reduce their energy consumption.
Finally, coupled with a genuine equipment control solution, BMS will be the best ally professionals have in tackling soaring prices and reducing the burden of building operating costs on company budgets.
