BCIA calls for urgent adoption of Class A building controls in non-domestic buildings

16 Jul 2024

The Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) is advocating for the widespread adoption of Class A building controls in non-domestic buildings across the UK. Following the Future Buildings Standard consultation, the BCIA has submitted recommendations emphasising the need for energy-efficient and zero-carbon-ready buildings.

Key recommendations include:

1. Making guidance for Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) mandatory for HVAC systems above 180kW, aiming to reduce to 70kW between 2025 and 2030, potentially saving £16.9bn in energy bills and 39.6 Mt of CO2e by 2040.

2. Implementing an occupancy-based Class A controls strategy for all building services to enhance energy efficiency.

3. Mandating the installation of Class A BACS in both new and existing buildings with clear deadlines.

4. Introducing a minimum standard of scheduled maintenance for BACS to ensure continuous energy efficiency.

5. Integrating smart controls to manage the increased demand on the National Grid from electric technologies.

6. Clarifying how building controls are scored within the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) to align with Class A standards.

The BCIA also supports automatic demand control and networked room automation, which optimise energy use through functions like facilities management and demand response. They emphasise the importance of occupancy demand-based controls for reducing energy consumption in heating, cooling, and hot water systems.

Following the recent general election, the BCIA is seeking to collaborate with the new government to integrate these controls into UK policy, aiming to significantly reduce energy consumption and achieve net zero targets.

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