In 2024, pass the (BACS) decree—with honors!

Having entered into force in July 2020, the BACS decree, for Building Automation and Control System, requires by the end of 2024 the installation of automation and control systems, also known as Building Management Systems (BMS), that reduce energy consumption in all tertiary-sector buildings with heating/cooling capacity above 290 kW. “According to the Xerfi research firm, fewer than 6% of tertiary-sector buildings are currently equipped with a BMS, says Benjamin Audibert, Development Director at E’nergys, a national player in overall sustainable performance. And 70% of these BMS have been deemed inoperative or poorly operated by Ademe’s study, ‘Assessment of BMS in the tertiary sector’.”

Interoperable with the building’s various technical systems, a BMS can nevertheless manage energy-intensive equipment by analyzing energy production and consumption data, then adjusting it accordingly. It must also make it possible to benchmark the building’s energy performance against reference values, detect efficiency losses in technical systems, and inform the building operator so that the situation can be analyzed and energy efficiency improved. “BMS is the fastest way to achieve the consumption-reduction targets set by the tertiary eco-energy decree, Benjamin Audibert recalls. It also enhances the value of real estate assets by making them less energy-intensive—generating 10% to 40% energy savings—and reduces building operating costs by optimizing how equipment operates and by taking account of external data, such as contract pricing and weather conditions.”

As an obligation of means rather than results, the BACS decree provides for no penalty in the event of failure to comply with the obligations set out in the legal text. However, it is closely linked to the tertiary-sector decree, since both share the same objective of reducing buildings’ energy consumption. In this respect, non-compliance can lead to “name and shame” (public disclosure of offenders), as well as a fine of up to €1,500 for individuals and €7,500 for legal entities. Taking the risk of a penalty when compliance with the decree can itself represent an opportunity would nevertheless be regrettable.

In addition to helping secure environmental certifications such as BREEAM or HQE, these installations can also help warehouse managers in their day-to-day work. “For those with several tenants, Benjamin Audibert explains, BMS makes it easy to determine who consumed what and in what quantity, and therefore to bill each party based on actual consumption.” Although implementation costs have no longer been covered by the CEE (Energy Savings Certificates) in logistics since January 1 (unlike office, healthcare, and education buildings), Benjamin Audibert concludes by noting that energy production from photovoltaic panels can be integrated into the BMS, fully in line with Afilog’s announcement of the deployment of some 5 million square meters of photovoltaic panels within five years.