Starting January 1, 2026, a GACS will become mandatory for large utility buildings with a heating or air conditioning system that has a nominal capacity of 290 kW or more. GACS stands for Building Automation and Control System. This requirement stems from the European directive Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD III) and has now been incorporated into Dutch legislation. But what exactly does this mean? And what are the implications for building owners and facility managers? In this blog, we take a closer look.
What is GACS?
A GACS is an intelligent system that automatically monitors, analyzes, and controls the technical installations within a building — including heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting. Its goal is to improve energy efficiency, reduce CO₂ emissions, prevent energy waste, and optimize comfort for building occupants.
In practice, this means that a GACS:
- Continuously monitors and records energy consumption.
- Adjusts installations where necessary.
- Detects problems or malfunctions.
- Supports building managers with data and recommendations.
Who is required to comply with this obligation?
Starting in 2026, a GACS will be mandatory for utility buildings with a heating or air conditioning system that has a nominal capacity of 290 kW or more. This includes large office buildings, hospitals, schools, shopping centers, and university buildings. In a next phase (EPBD IV), the threshold will be lowered to systems from 70 kW, likely around 2029 or 2030. This will bring medium-sized buildings, such as commercial properties, hotels, and healthcare facilities, under the obligation as well.
What are the benefits of a GACS?
Many companies and organizations are already focusing on energy efficiency, and regulations are being updated accordingly, as efficient energy use is becoming an increasingly strict requirement. A GACS is more than just a legal obligation — it also offers opportunities for building optimization and provides tangible benefits.
- Lower energy costs through smarter use of building systems.
- Higher comfort levels for occupants, including climate, air quality, and temperature.
- Lower maintenance costs through early detection of issues.
- Exemption from certain inspections, as the GACS provides continuous monitoring.
- Prepared for the future. The GACS is part of upcoming legislation.
What steps can you take to comply with the GACS standard?
Building owners and facility managers often wonder to what extent their building complies with the GACS standard. This means that, by January 1, 2026, they need to assess:
- Whether their building falls under the obligation.
- Whether there is already a building management system in place that meets the GACS requirements.
- What steps are needed to install or upgrade the system.
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) has created a checklist to assess whether a system meets the technical requirements. In addition, many installers offer scans to determine the extent to which your building is GACS-compliant.
Getting started with GACS
The introduction of the GACS requirement on January 1, 2026, is an important step toward more energy-efficient and future-proof buildings. For building owners and facility managers, this is the time to prepare and take advantage of the benefits of intelligent building automation. It may therefore be a good moment to consider investing in a heat pump or hybrid system from Eco Heating Systems, so you can fully leverage the advantages of GACS. Check with your building manager or installer about the options and support available for implementing a GACS.
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