BACS Decree: A Deadline Extension for Your Tertiary-Use Buildings!

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Deadline extension for implementing the obligations relating to building automation and control systems (BACS), temperature control systems, and pipework insulation for heating and cooling distribution networks in tertiary-use buildings

Decree No. 2025-1343 of 26 December 2025 amended the implementation timetable for the obligations relating to automation and control systems, temperature control systems for heating and cooling systems, and pipework insulation for heating and cooling distribution networks applicable to existing tertiary buildings.

“BACS” systems

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The owner(s) of the buildings' heating or air-conditioning systems are subject to these obligations.

This requirement, initially applicable from 1 January 2027 for existing tertiary buildings (i.e. those for which a building permit application was filed before 8 April 2024) fitted with a system whose useful rated capacity is greater than 70 kW and less than 290 kW, is postponed to 1 January 2030.

It must therefore be implemented according to the following timetable:

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The guide on the “BACS decree” explains that this system corresponds to a building management system (BMS). It must make it possible to control and monitor the management of all of a building's technical installations (heating, air conditioning, ventilation, domestic hot water, but also lighting, blinds, security systems, etc.).  Under the decree, it is also mandatory to put in place devices to monitor, record and analyse the production and energy consumption data of the technical systems, a function that complements the regulation of usage.

Temperature control system

Decree No. 2025-1343 of 26 December 2025 also amends, in the Energy Code, the date by which a heating/cooling temperature control system must be installed in existing buildings or parts of buildings in which tertiary activities* are carried out, and those used for residential purposes.

This requirement therefore applies:

·       From 1 January 2027, for buildings or parts of buildings for which a building permit application or a prior declaration is filed from that same date (unchanged).

·       From 1 January 2030, for existing buildings or parts of buildings, instead of 1 January 2027 (new).

As a reminder, heating systems connected to a building automation and control system (BACS) are deemed to meet this requirement.

These devices must automatically regulate, at a minimum hourly interval, the heating/cooling temperature per room or, where justified, per heating/cooling zone.

It is stated that this requirement does not apply to:

·       standalone heating appliances for which fuel supply is not automated, due to a technical impossibility;

·       heating or cooling installations for premises for which the owner produces a study demonstrating that installing a local temperature control system is not feasible with a payback period of less than ten years.

Pipework insulation

Finally, Decree No. 2025-1343 of 26 December 2025 amends the implementation date of the requirement to insulate heating and cooling distribution networks, in existing buildings or parts of buildings in which tertiary* or collective residential activities are carried out.

For the latter, this requirement applies from 1 January 2030, instead of 1 January 2027. It still applies from 1 January 2027 for so-called “new” buildings, i.e. those for which a building permit application or a prior declaration is filed from that same date.

This concerns any heating distribution network used for space heating or domestic hot water located outside or outside the heated volume, and any cooling distribution network used for cooling located outside or outside the cooled volume, present in particular in a building or part of a building in which tertiary activities* are carried out.

The characteristics required for this insulation are set out in an order (arrêté).

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^{* including commercial or non-commercial activities, and including those belonging to legal entities in the primary sector (extraction of natural resources) or secondary sector (industrial).}