- Symbiosis: Building automation implements energy management and increases efficiency
- Sustainability: Economically, ecologically and socially profitable
- Pressure to act: High energy prices require quick action
- Costs: Reduction through optimised energy consumption
- Laws: fulfilment of GEG and EU directives.
- Funding: Subsidies facilitate investments
What exactly is building automation and energy management?
When we talk about building automation, we mean smart technologies that automatically control processes in your building – from heating control, such as better.energy, to intelligent lighting control. The goal: comfort, efficiency and sustainability.
Energy management, on the other hand, comprises strategies and systems that optimise energy consumption. The aim is to measure, analyse and control energy flows so that as little energy as possible is wasted.
In short: building automation implements what energy management plans. A perfect symbiosis for sustainability!
The synergies between building automation and energy management in terms of sustainability
The two areas work hand in hand and together create an ideal basis for sustainable management. The synergies can be categorised into three aspects of sustainability:
Economic aspects
- Data-based decisions: Building automation continuously provides real-time data on energy consumption, temperature changes or light intensity. Energy management systems analyse this data in order to suggest targeted optimisation measures, which leads to considerable cost savings in the long term.
- Load management: Energy management systems detect peak loads and optimise them through targeted control, e.g. by charging appliances at different times or using energy storage systems. This reduces energy costs and avoids expensive peak loads.
Ecological aspects
- Demand-led energy supply: Using data from the building automation system, the energy management system can predict when energy is needed and when it is not. This avoids overproduction and reduces energy loss – a significant step towards conserving resources.
- Integration of renewable energies: Building automation facilitates the integration of solar systems or other renewable energy sources. Energy management systems ensure that self-consumption is maximised and surplus energy is efficiently fed into the grid.
- CO2 reduction: Automation ensures that rooms are only heated, lit or cooled when they are in use. As a result, less energy is consumed and the CO2 footprint is significantly reduced.
Social aspects
- User comfort: Automation increases comfort for employees, guests and residents, as lighting, heating and cooling are controlled individually and according to need.
- Security: Smart technologies can integrate alarms and real-time monitoring, which improves security in the building for all users.
- Awareness of sustainability: Transparency about energy consumption and CO2 savings sensitises users and motivates them to actively engage in sustainable practices.
Advantages at a glance:
| Aspect | Building automation | Energy management |
|---|---|---|
| Economical | Cost reduction | Efficient energy utilisation |
| Ecological | Reduction of energy loss | Integration of renewable energies |
| Social | Comfort and safety | Sustainability awareness |
of sustainability
The symbiosis between the two technologies therefore goes far beyond pure cost efficiency: it allows you to actively contribute to the energy transition while easily fulfilling legal requirements.
Extended benefits and sustainability impact
The benefits of building automation and energy management go far beyond efficiency. Here are the details:
1. Economic benefits
The economic benefits of building automation and energy management are obvious: they help you to significantly reduce operating costs and make your building more efficient. The continuous optimisation of energy consumption and the avoidance of energy waste ensure that you can operate sustainably in the long term. At the same time, maintenance costs are reduced thanks to early fault detection and intelligent building automation and energy management systems:
- Reduce operating costs sustainably: by automating lighting, heating and cooling, you can minimise your energy consumption without compromising on comfort.
- Reduce maintenance costs: Automated systems detect faults or inefficiencies at an early stage, preventing expensive repairs or breakdowns.
2. Ecological advantages
In addition to the financial savings, the combination of building automation and energy management also has numerous ecological benefits. They help to make your building more environmentally friendly and reduce your ecological footprint.
The most important points are summarised here:
- Energy savings: Studies show that the use of smart technologies can save up to 20 % thermal energy and 7 % electrical energy. [Source: German Energy Agency (dena)]
- Climate protection: According to a Bitkom study, up to 14.7 million tonnes of CO2 could be saved annually if more building automation were integrated into companies. [Source: Bitkom]
- Promotion of renewable energies: Building automation enables the optimal utilisation of solar or wind energy by supporting their integration into energy management.
3. Social benefits
In addition to economic and ecological effects, the social benefits should not be underestimated. Smart technologies not only improve comfort and safety, but also promote awareness of sustainability among users. Personalised settings allow rooms to be better adapted to individual needs, which increases both well-being and productivity.with intelligent building automation and energy management systems, you ensure:
- Improved well-being: With personalised control of lighting and indoor climate, users feel more comfortable and productive.
- Security gains: Smart systems monitor buildings and warn of dangers such as fire, burglary or technical defects.
- Raising awareness: Transparent data on energy consumption promotes sustainable behaviour among users.
The symbiosis between the two technologies therefore goes far beyond pure cost efficiency: it enables you to actively contribute to the energy transition while easily fulfilling legal requirements.
Ecological benefits – an investment in the future
In addition to the financial savings, the combination of building automation and energy management also has numerous ecological benefits. They help to make your building more environmentally friendly and reduce your ecological footprint. Here are some of the most important points:
| Advantage | Description of benefit |
|---|---|
| Energy efficiency | Optimisation of energy distribution ensures lower consumption and higher efficiency |
| CO2 reduction | Lower energy consumption means lower CO2 emissions – a major benefit for the environment. |
| Conservation of resources | Smart control of systems conserves natural resources. |
Legal framework – the EU sets the pace
The legal requirements in the area of energy efficiency and sustainability set clear targets for reducing energy consumption and emissions from buildings. For operators of non-residential buildings, there are numerous regulations that must be observed. Smart technologies such as building automation and energy management help you not only to fulfil these requirements, but also to secure competitive advantages.
The most important laws are
Building Energy Act (GEG)
The Building Energy Act (GEG) is one of the central regulations in Germany. It requires buildings to be operated in an energy-efficient manner. Particularly relevant is Section 71a, which obliges operators of non-residential buildings with heating or air conditioning systems with a rated output of over 290 kW to implement a building automation system by the end of 2024. The aim is to reduce energy losses through targeted control and monitoring of energy flows. [Source: German Energy Agency (dena)
EU Buildings Directive
The European Directive 2018/844/EU requires the integration of smart energy systems in new and existing buildings. The so-called “Smart Readiness Indicator” (SRI) measures how well a building is prepared for modern technologies. For operators of non-residential buildings, this means that investing in smart technologies is not just an option, but a necessary measure. [Source: BBSR]
Funding programmes and financial incentives
The switch to energy-efficient technologies is supported by various programmes. The KfW Bank offers special promotional loans and grants for the integration of building automation and energy management systems. This support enables companies to reduce the initial investment costs and at the same time benefit from long-term savings.
| Programme | Promotion programme |
|---|---|
| KfW Energy Efficiency Programme | Low-interest loans for energy-efficient measures |
| BAFA funding for energy management systems | Grants for the introduction of certified systems |
| Climate protection initiative | Financial support for innovative climate protection measures |
Advantages through legal compliance
By implementing the legal requirements at an early stage, you not only secure funding, but also avoid potential penalties or sanctions. Companies also benefit from a better image and can present their buildings as sustainable showcase projects.
As an entrepreneur, you cannot avoid legal requirements. The good news is that building automation and energy management can help you fulfil them.
- Building Energy Act (GEG): Section 71a of the GEG stipulates that all non-residential buildings with heating or air conditioning systems with a rated output of more than 290 kW must be equipped with a building automation system by the end of 2024. [Source: German Energy Agency (dena)]
- EU Buildings Directive: The European Directive 2018/844/EU contains specifications for building automation in non-residential buildings. [Source: BBSR]
- KfW funding: Anyone who invests in sustainability can benefit from state subsidies. Find out about current KfW funding programmes.
So invest early in technologies that meet the requirements – and thus not only ensure sustainability, but also the future viability of your company.
Checklist for operators of non-residential buildings for building automation and energy management
Do you want to ensure that your building is equipped for the future while benefiting from the advantages of building automation and energy management? This checklist will help you take the right steps and cover all the important aspects:
1: Do you already have an energy management system?
- A certified energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001 can help you to systematically analyse and optimise your energy consumption.
- If not, start with an energy audit to uncover potential savings.
2: Do you use smart technologies such as heating or lighting control?
- Smart heating controls ensure that energy is only used when it is really needed.
- Intelligent lighting systems automatically adapt to daylight and usage.
3: Are your systems compatible with legal requirements?
- Check whether your building automation system complies with the requirements of the German Building Energy Act (GEG).
- Make sure that your systems are prepared for future requirements, such as the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI).
4: Are you aware of the current funding opportunities for sustainable investments?
- Find out about funding programmes such as the KfW Energy Efficiency Programme or BAFA grants.
- Factor the potential funding into your investment planning.
5: Do you have a plan for integrating building automation into your building?
- Develop a clear roadmap that prioritises the implementation of smart technologies.
- Work with specialised service providers to make the process efficient and smooth.
6: Have you maximised the potential of data analytics?
- Use intelligent systems to create detailed reports and forecasts that can help you optimise in the long term.
7: Have you invested sufficiently in training and awareness-raising?
- Make sure your employees and users understand how to use the systems effectively.
8: Are you planning continuous monitoring and adaptation of the systems?
- Building automation and energy management must be regularly reviewed and adapted to new requirements.
9: Have you defined long-term sustainability goals?
- Set clear goals, such as CO2 reduction, energy efficiency increase and resource conservation, to make your progress measurable.
Conclusion – your step into the future
There is no doubt about it: building automation and energy management are the key to sustainable, efficient and future-proof buildings. Energy prices are rising, climate protection targets are becoming stricter – and your competitors may already be one step ahead. Building automation and energy management are no longer dreams of the future, but the order of the day.
Now is the right time to make your building sustainable. The combination of smart technology and strategic energy management not only brings ecological benefits, but also long-term savings. Make your building work smart, reduce your costs and do something for the environment at the same time. Contact us to find out more about the possibilities and bring your building up to the state of the art.
Want to find out more?
Sources and further information
- German Energy Agency (dena) – Building Energy Act (GEG) and energy efficiency in buildings
- Bitkom – Energy efficiency and climate protection through building automation
- Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) – EU Buildings Directive 2018/844/EU and the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI)
- KfW Bankengruppe – Energy efficiency programme – Promotion for companies
- BAFA (Federal Office of Economics and Export Control) – Funding for energy management systems and energy audits