GACS 2026 obligation: is your utility building ready for the new regulations?
From 1 January 2026, a Building Automation and Control System (GACS) will be mandatory for utility buildings with large climate installations. This measure, voting from the European EPBD guidelines, requires timely action from property owners and managers.
What is a GACS system and why is it mandatory?
A Building Automation and Control System (GACS) makes it possible to efficiently manage your building's energy consumption and performance.
The requirement for a GACS by 2026 is part of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in the EU.
With a well-designed GACS, you not only comply with regulations, but you also structurally reduce operational costs and CO₂ emissions of your real estate.
Technical requirements according to EPBD and Building Decree
According to the government, a GACS system must meet the following requirements:
Monitoring and adjusting energy consumption
The system must continuously monitor, record and analyse energy consumption. It should be possible to adjust the installations based on this data.
Improving energy efficiency
The system must test the energy efficiency of the building, detect the efficiency losses of technical building systems and inform the manager about opportunities for improvement.
Interoperability and Communication
The GACS must be able to communicate with various technical systems and devices in the building, regardless of manufacturer or technology, so that consistent and efficient building management is possible.
One way to describe the performance of a GACS is by using the NEN-EN-ISO 52120 standard. If the system is level C achieves and the energy management component level B, it is assumed that it meets the legal requirements.
For enforcers, however, an extensive test is difficult, which is why a checklist with checkpoints developed for a quick indicative test.
Please note: there are higher requirements for reports and trend analyses (section 7.4) than in Annex B of the standard. Here, the energy performance must actually be analyzed and compared, not just registered.
Why act now?
Building owners and property managers are wise to analyse before 2026:
- Which buildings already meet the GACS requirements
- What adjustments or upgrades are necessary
- Which investments need to be planned in time to be compliant
Early action prevents fines, downtime and unnecessary costs. In addition, it helps to organize the energy performance of your real estate and make it future-proof.
C2N supports GACS compliance
At C2N, specialist in sustainability advice, Technical Due Diligence (TDD) country real estate project management, we assist organizations in making their real estate future-proof:
- Analysis of your real estate portfolio: insight into current GACS status and areas for improvement
- Advice on measures and investments: concrete plan for implementation and upgrades
- Project Management and Implementation: guidance from installation to monitoring and reporting
This is how you ensure that your buildings comply with the new regulations and perform optimally in the field of energy.
Want to know more about our broader approach to sustainable real estate? Read more on our services page.
Get in touch
Do you want to know how your buildings are doing and what steps are necessary to comply with the GACS obligation by 2026? Get in touch with:
Amresh Bissumbhar
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