With the ambitious goal of achieving climate-neutral buildings by 2050, the European Union has updated the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), as part of the “Fit for 55” package.

In this new regulatory landscape, Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) emerge as key tools for improving the energy performance of the building stock.

A Directive That Changes the Game

The revised EPBD, approved in 2024, introduces a series of binding measures for enhancing building efficiency.

Among these is the progressive phase-out of buildings with the lowest energy performance ratings (classes G and F), along with the mandatory implementation of smart control technologies for both residential and commercial buildings.

Beyond retrofitting existing systems, the directive strongly emphasizes the integration of digital solutions capable of monitoring and optimizing energy consumption, in line with the 2050 decarbonization targets.

What Are BACS and Why Do They Matter?

Building Automation and Control Systems are intelligent devices that enable the automated management of systems such as HVAC, lighting, security, and domestic hot water production. Compared to traditional home automation, BACS are distinguished by their scalability for large buildings, their ability to interface with technologies from multiple vendors, and their integration with centralized Building Management Systems (BMS).

These systems are governed by the UNI EN ISO 52120-1:2022 standard, which replaces the previous EN 15232-1 reference and outlines the classification and efficiency benchmarks for BACS.

Advanced automation enables continuous control of indoor environments, directly contributing to energy savings and improved occupant comfort.

Smart Residential Buildings: Applications and Benefits

In the residential sector as well, BACS solutions help reduce energy consumption, optimize system operation, and enhance living comfort.

The regulation identifies four levels of automation—from basic systems to fully automated solutions capable of real-time control of temperature, ventilation, and lighting, based on environmental conditions and occupancy detection.

Key Deadlines to Watch

The new EPBD sets specific deadlines for the adoption of BACS in non-residential buildings:

• By the end of 2024 for buildings with systems > 290 kW

• By the end of 2029 for those with systems > 70 kW

These systems must:

• Continuously monitor and optimize energy consumption

• Detect anomalies and suggest corrective actions

• Interface with different types and brands of equipment

• From 2026, assess indoor air quality as well

In the residential sector, starting May 29, 2026, new buildings or those undergoing major renovations will be required to feature continuous monitoring tools, dynamic energy regulation, and the ability to adapt to external signals—such as energy price fluctuations or renewable energy availability on the grid.

Tangible Results

Implementing automation systems can lead to:

• Up to 30% reduction in energy use

• Optimized thermal and lighting comfort

• Predictive maintenance through digital diagnostics

• Centralized multi-system control

• Integration with cloud platforms and IoT devices

According to the European Commission, large-scale adoption of BACS could help reduce the energy consumption of buildings by up to 14% by 2030.

A Practical Example: The Smart Office

In workplaces, automation helps eliminate waste by automatically adjusting lighting and ventilation based on occupancy. Indoor and outdoor sensors work in tandem to ensure appropriate heating, cooling, and lighting levels based on weather and usage patterns.

Indoor air quality is also constantly monitored through CO₂ detectors, which regulate air exchange only when necessary—enhancing well-being while minimizing excessive system use.

The Future of Building Is Smart

BACS are a fundamental lever for transforming buildings into active, intelligent nodes within the energy system. They are no longer optional, but a regulatory and functional requirement for building a modern, sustainable, and resilient construction sector.

This opens up new opportunities for engineers, designers, and installers—requiring integrated expertise across energy, technology, and digitalization.

Now is the time to move from theory to practice.

SmartDHOME: 15 Years of BACS Innovation with MyVirtuoso Home

For over fifteen years, SmartDHOME has been a leading force in developing intelligent solutions for energy management and comfort in buildings.

The company has anticipated market needs with its BACS (Building Automation and Control Systems), which integrate cutting-edge technologies to monitor, regulate, and optimize energy consumption in both residential and commercial settings.

The crown jewel of this vision is MyVirtuoso Home, the platform developed by SmartDHOME to provide simple, intuitive, and customizable system management.

Through advanced sensors, actuators, and algorithms, MyVirtuoso Home enables intelligent control of heating, cooling, lighting, electrical loads, and air quality—ensuring comfort and energy savings.

Designed to fit both residential environments and complex buildings, the solution stands out for its scalability, interoperability, and ease of integration with existing technologies—perfectly aligning with the requirements introduced by the new EPBD.

With a focus on efficiency and sustainability, SmartDHOME continues to evolve the smart building concept, turning homes and offices into intelligent, flexible ecosystems ready to meet the challenges of the energy transition.