What is EPBD?

What it is

The EPBD is an EU directive, so each member state writes it into national law. It covers energy performance certificates, minimum energy performance requirements, inspections of heating and air conditioning systems, and long-term renovation planning.

The directive includes requirements for building automation and control systems, often called BACS, in larger non-residential buildings. A compliant BACS should continuously monitor, log and analyze energy use, benchmark efficiency, detect losses and inform the facility manager about improvement opportunities. The directive was recast in 2024, so check the current national transposition for scope and dates.

Who it applies to / where it is used

The EPBD affects building owners, landlords, facility managers and public authorities across EU member states. Non-residential buildings above the national threshold for heating or air conditioning system size are in scope for BACS requirements.

How it is measured / what evidence it needs

Evidence depends on the national rule, but the BACS functions themselves define what a system must show.

• Continuous monitoring and logging of energy use
• Benchmarking against a baseline or peers
• Detection of losses and faults in technical systems
• Communication with connected systems and the facility manager
• Energy performance certificates where required

How Aqueduct helps

The EPBD automation requirement describes the flywheel: monitor, benchmark, detect faults and inform action. Aqueduct supplies those functions; the owner and their adviser confirm compliance.

• Continuous energy monitoring at 60-second refresh across meters and BMS points
• Benchmarking and weather-normalized baselines through aQ EnergySmart
• Fault detection and diagnostics with plain-language causes
• Interoperability over BACnet, Modbus and MQTT with existing systems