Summary
Definition
The BACS (Building Automation & Control Systems) decree, officially known as decree n° 2020-887 of 20 July 2020, is a French regulation derived from the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). It aims to improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings by requiring the
installation of building automation and control systems.
What is the purpose of this decree?
The aim is to reduce the energy consumption of buildings by optimising the control of equipment and contributing to rapid energy savings at a reasonable cost.
It requires commercial buildings to be equipped with a building automation and control system, or BMS (Building Management System).
These BACS systems make it possible to reduce energy consumption while ensuring the comfort and health of the building’s occupants. To do this, it is necessary to implement virtuous building usage scenarios. Energy monitoring and regulation, automation and optimisation functions are also essential.
Who is affected by this decree?
This decree applies to buildings in which commercial or non-commercial tertiary activities are carried out and which are equipped with an HVAC system (heating or air conditioning, whether or not combined with a ventilation system):
- 1st January 2025: mandatory installation in new buildings with a useful rated output greater than 290 kW.
- 1st January 2027: mandatory installation in buildings with a useful rated output greater than 70 kW.
Which technical systems are specifically affected by this decree?
The equipment affected by this decree is as follows: heating, air conditioning, ventilation, domestic hot water production, integrated lighting, on-site electricity generation, or any other system combining several of these systems.
Description of how the decree works
Building owners must therefore install measurement devices on “site”.
These devices will firstly enable energy monitoring, recording and analysis of energy production and consumption data on an ongoing basis and by functional area. The second objective is to implement regulatory measures aimed at reducing consumption.
Below is a diagram illustrating the various actions described above:
