Building Automation and Control Systems Regulations 2025 (BACS)

BACS (Building Automation and Control System), as defined by the European Commission in the 2018 revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, includes all products, software, and engineering services designed to enhance the energy-efficient, economical, and safe operation of building systems.

Building Automation and Control Systems

From 31st December 2025 building owners and tenants will be required to install building automation and control systems in buildings where the effective rated output of heating, air-conditioning and ventilation system(s) in a building is above a threshold of 290 kW.

Compliance Requirements

The European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 393 of 2021) necessitate that buildings with heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation systems exceeding 290 kW must have building automation controls installed by December 31, 2025. This regulation aims to ensure that energy consumption is visible and controllable, thereby promoting sustainability.

The Building Control Authority

The building control authority enforces the Regulations while building owners and occupants must ensure compliance. Implementing Building Automation and Control Systems is generally cost-effective, with a typical payback period of up to 10 years for public buildings and 3 years for others. However, due to the benefits and reduced costs which building control systems bring this should be seen as a cost-saving measure rather than just a compliance task.

Assessing Your Building

To determine if your building needs to comply, review the heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation systems to ascertain their combined effective rated output. If it exceeds 290 kW, you will need to install a control system in accordance with the functionality specified in Paragraphs 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 of the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2021 Technical Guidance, provided it is technically and economically feasible.

Get in touch with a member of team to find out. Our team of experts can guide you through the process and begin designing a system tailored to your building’s exact needs.

 

SEAI - Compliance Assessment

Steps to Compliance

  1. Evaluate System Size: Check if the combined output of your heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation systems exceeds 290 kW.
  2. Assess Existing Systems: Determine if a Building automation controls system is already in place and whether it meets regulatory requirements.
  3. Plan Installation: If necessary, plan for the installation of the required Building automation controls system by the deadline.
  4. Feasibility Assessment: If you believe installation is not feasible, have an independent professional assess the technical and economic aspects and provide a confirmation.

Benefits of the Regulation

The implementation of building automation controls is not just a regulatory requirement but a strategic opportunity for building owners and tenants. Building automation controls allow for precise control and monitoring of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, and other energy-consuming equipment.

→ Minimal Disruption

Our building automation controls can be integrated with existing systems, ensuring limited disruption to daily operations.

→ Cost Savings

The high cost-to-savings ratio makes building automation controls an attractive investment. By reducing energy wastage, buildings can achieve significant cost savings.

→ Enhanced Visibility

BACS help identify high-energy-use areas and malfunctioning equipment, enabling prompt corrective actions.

→ Data-Driven Decisions

Continuous monitoring provides data that can be used to prioritise further energy efficiency projects.

→ Marketability

Energy-efficient buildings are attractive to tenants and can command higher rents.

→ Access to Green Finance

Demonstrating energy efficiency through building automation controls can make buildings eligible for green financing options.

Building Automation

The integration of advanced technology into the management of a building’s mechanical and electrical systems is known as building automation.

This technology plays a crucial role in modern building design and management as it enhances energy efficiency, improves the quality of indoor air, increases safety measures, and ensures compliance.

Our building automation services include the design, supply, commission, and maintenance of:

  • Cloud-based lighting controls
  • Energy management systems
  • Interact Management Software
  • Full graphical front-end software
  • Light sensors

Why Work With Us

Sustainability

Sustainability is the central focus of every Eclipse project.

Looking to optimise technology, we aim to provide economic, environmental, and social benefits as much as possible on every project.

Through the use of integrated technologies we provide the following solutions:

  • Energy efficiency and connected lighting
  • Energy-saving solutions
  • Connected lighting solutions
  • Integrated building management solutions
  • Ongoing management and consultation on systems and solutions

We also provide Renewables Energy Solutions for business’ such as solar energy systems, EV charging units and more. For more information see Eclipse Renewables

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Return on Investment

A case study conducted by the SEAI on Sligo Park Hotel revealed that the hotel made 187,000 kWh of energy savings in one year following a full LED lighting upgrade.

In the long run, these sorts of energy savings equate to significant cost savings. Thus, the potential for return on investment is extremely high.

 

Regulation/Compliance

With the likes of the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement and the targets of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, businesses can expect to encounter more strict regulations, particularly as we move closer to the aforementioned target year.

By investing in our energy efficient solutions now, companies can get ahead of the curve and begin working towards compliance with the likes of the EU Taxonomy regulation.

Future Proofing

There is no escaping this decade’s energy crisis that is not only gripping Europe but the entire planet. Businesses should begin taking steps to help protect themselves from such uncertainty and potential future crises.

Investment in energy efficient upgrades such as energy management systems and renewable integrations such as Solar PV will help organisations to achieve long-term cost savings and will provide them with a greater level of energy independence.

 

Confidence and Trust

We work with industry-leading manufacturers and electrical contractors to ensure that any system we commission not only meets but exceeds client expectations. Additionally, our ongoing maintenance service allows us to protect the client’s initial investment.

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