GACS software system mandatory for office buildings

What changes?

Do you have a utility building such as an office, shop, or warehouse? You will have to face new rules for building automation. From 2026 utility buildings with heating systems or air conditioning systems with a power of over 290 kW must have a special system. Such a system is called a building automation and control system (gebouwautomatiserings- en controlesysteem, GACS). This is a smart system that helps you save energy and make your building more efficient.

A GACS must:

• permanently monitor, save, view, and adjust energy consumption as necessary
• check how energy efficient the building is, detect problems with technical systems, and inform the installations/facilities manager how to improve energy efficiency
• communicate and work with other technical systems and appliances in the building, even if those are of another brand or manufacturer

For whom?

• owners of utility buildings
• managers of technical installations and facilities

When?

The requirements are set out in the Decree on construction works in the living environment (Besluit bouwwerken leefomgeving). These requirements will take effect from 1 January 2026 for systems with a power over 290 kW. For systems with a power over 70 kW the requirements will apply from 1 January 2030. The changes are part of the second revision of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD III).