Building automation mandatory by the end of 2025

In Flanders, there is an important obligation regarding building automation for new and existing non-residential buildings that will come into force on December 31, 2025. Specifically, non-residential buildings with heating systems or combined space heating and ventilation systems with a rated output of more than 290 kW, as well as buildings with air conditioning systems or combined air conditioning and ventilation systems with a rated capacity of more than 290 kW, must be equipped with a building automation and control system by that date.

By 2029 at the latest, this limit will be reduced to 70 kW, which means that this obligation will apply to many more buildings.

To comply with this obligation regarding building automation and control systems for non-residential buildings, you can ask for advice and take advantage of our knowledge and experience.

Building automation for non-residential buildings

What is a non-residential building?

A non-residential building unit is a building unit with a non-residential primary use (open definition). These are building units used for office-, school-, health-, sports-, commerce-, hospitality-, or meeting function or units in public buildings or government buildings.

The destination of a building or building unit is determined by the way in which it is used. The following building applications are not considered as non-residential:

• residential
• industrial use: e.g. workplaces or storage facilities, warehouses, …
• agricultural business
• worship services and religious activities

The following cases are always excluded from the scope of the policy for non-residential building units:

• temporary building units that are used for no longer than two years
• stand-alone buildings with a total usable floor area of less than 50 m2

Source: website www.vlaanderen.be

Building automation and control system Domica

As an integrator of building management systems, we already have extensive knowledge and experience in this field. In addition, we also offer our customers a platform and first-level support to provide managers and owners of buildings with real-time insights and information. This enables them to achieve significant savings and optimise their energy consumption.

These systems must be capable of at least the following:

• Continuously monitoring, recording and analysing energy consumption, and enabling adjustments .
• Evaluate the energy efficiency of the building, detect inefficiencies and efficiency losses in technical systems, and inform the person responsible for building management about possible improvements.
• Communicate with connected technical systems and other devices within the building, regardless of the diversity of technologies, devices and manufacturers, in order to ensure integrated and efficient operation.

The purpose of this obligation is to increase energy efficiency in large non-residential buildings and contribute to Flanders’ broader climate objectives. It is important for owners and managers of such buildings to take the necessary steps in time to meet these requirements.

Looking for a building management system?

DOMICA works behind the scenes, which enables our customers to manage and optimise more with fewer resources. This has a huge impact on both operational and fixed costs (OPEX and CAPEX) within organisations.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our service line.

Other obligations for non-residential buildings

In addition to mandatory building automation for non-residential buildings, there are other obligations in force for this type of building:

Renovation obligation and energy performance certificate (EPC) for non-residential buildings

The renovation obligation, which has been in force since 1 January 2022, is a first step towards the long-term goal of carbon neutrality. Within five years of sale or other transfers (such as leasehold and building rights), non-residential building units must comply with a series of energy-saving measures.

This obligation contains two key aspects:

• A minimum package of measures
• A minimum energy label to be achieved

Both conditions must be respected.

EPC requirement

Since 1 January 2023, an energy performance certificate (EPC NR) has been mandatory for the sale, rental, leasehold and building rights of non-residential building units. From 1 May 2023, this obligation is applicable to all transfers, including gifts. This applies to owners of non-residential building units, with the exception of residential buildings, industrial buildings and agricultural buildings.
In time, the EPC NR will become mandatory for all large non-residential building units, regardless of sale, transfer or rental.

Minimum labelling requirement

From 1 January 2030, both small and large non-residential building units must obtain a minimum energy label and be able to demonstrate this. For public and government buildings, this obligation will already come into force in 2028, given their exemplary role.

More information about these obligations can be found on the website of Vlaanderen.be