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Lighting Controls B.V.
Ambachtstraat 3
4143 HB Leerdam
Netherlands
Lighting Controls Belgium B.V.
North Industrial Park 27
9100 Sint-Niklaas
Belgium
What does EPBD mean?
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is a European Commission directive to improve the energy performance of buildings. The directive stems from the Paris Agreement and obliges building owners to take energy-saving measures. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions by creating energy-efficient and future-proof buildings.
Buildings are responsible for such a 40% of total energy consumption in the EU and contribute to over 30% contribute to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. The vast majority of buildings were built before the year 2000 and score poorly on energy performance. The EU wants to accelerate this change, with the ultimate goal of a climate-neutral (net-zero) built environment by 2050 and an interim emission reduction of 60% in 2030 compared to 2015.
of greenhouses is related to buildings
of total energy consumption comes from buildings
of buildings in the EU have poor energy performance
How does EPBD relate to lighting management?
The EPBD considers lighting, like e.g. heating, cooling and ventilation, as an essential technical system that contributes to the energy performance of a building.
A smart lighting management system ensures that lighting only comes on when it is needed, for example through daylight control, presence sensors and timetables. This significantly reduces energy consumption and actually increases user comfort, well-being and satisfaction.
In addition, the EPBD states that lighting systems must be linked to the building's energy management system. Performance monitoring and real-time insight into energy consumption are key requirements in this respect.
GACS: building automation and control systems
The EPBD mentions building automation and control systems (GACS) as a solution for optimising technical building systems such as heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting. Since the revision of EPBD in 2023, implementing GACS is an obligation for large non-residential buildings.
Key milestones include:
- From 1 January 2026: mandatory implementation of GACS for buildings with an HVAC installation with a rated power of >290 kW
- From 2030: GACS will also become mandatory for buildings with an HVAC system with a rated power of >70 kW.
The GACS component requires that 'connected systems' be applied. This means that the systems must be able to be integrated with the building management system. The systems must be able to exchange data on usage, energy consumption and status. Thanks to open standards such as DALI-2, Ethernet, Bluetooth, BACnet and APIs, exchanging data is easy.
The obligation to apply 'connected systems' also means that stand-alone solutions such as locally operating sensors without data connection and hard switches are no longer compliant.
A pleasant indoor climate
The EPBD emphasises that buildings should not only be energy-efficient but also comfortable, healthy and safe for users. So simply turning off lights just to save as much energy as possible is not a solution if it comes at the expense of users' comfort.
Solutions such as Helvar Senses show that smart lighting goes beyond just light. By combining presence data with climate data, Helvar Senses ensures that energy performance improves even further, without compromising on comfort. As a result, the climate system can be perfectly tuned to the actual occupancy of rooms.
Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI)
The EPBD introduces the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI): a framework that identifies the smart functions of a building. The SRI assesses how well building systems are able to:
- Optimise energy efficiency
- Increase user comfort
- Flexible response to changes in energy demand
The SRI score is based on nine domains, including lighting, heating, ventilation, electric vehicle charging points and monitoring. The higher the score, the smarter and more sustainable the building. This is not only relevant for laws and regulations, but also increases the attractiveness and value of the property.
An important part of a high SRI score is the extent to which building systems communicate with each other. Lighting systems set up as 'connected systems', e.g. via DALI-2, BACnet or APIs, can share data with other installations such as HVAC or shading systems. This enables automated control tailored to usage and occupancy.
The better these systems work together, the smarter the building functions and the higher the SRI score. Smart lighting management is therefore not only energy-saving, but also a crucial building block in the digital and sustainable future of buildings.
Read here more about the SRI and how the score is determined.
Summary
For parties in commercial construction, the EPBD is more than just legislation. It is an opportunity to give direction to a sustainable, energy-efficient future. Lighting management plays a central role in realising that ambition. With smart control, integration and a focus on user comfort, lighting management actively contributes to buildings that not only meet today's requirements, but are ready for tomorrow.
Our services
Service & Support
- Remote assistance
- Assured of quick help in case of problems
- Also possible: service visit on site
Assembly
- Quick and efficient on-site installation
- Central equipment in assembled cabinet
- Pre-assembled cables and plugs
Commissioning
- Over 15 software specialists
- Assured of an optimally functioning system
- Personal contact through fixed rayons
Appropriate advice for your project?
Our sales advisers are happy to think along with you and can offer advice specific to your project. Feel free to contact the sales advisor in your area or leave your contact details.
