Smart buildings in the EPBD framework
The European Commission outlined how the recast EPBD embeds smartness across the Directive. The objective is a zero-emission building (ZEB) stock by 2050. Zero-emission buildings must combine very high energy performance, zero on-site greenhouse gas emissions, and the ability to react to external signals, adapting energy use, generation, or storage.
All new buildings must be zero-emission by 2030 (2028 for public buildings), while Member States must develop national building renovation plans. Challenges identified include affordability, interoperability, maintenance capacity, data privacy, and ensuring systems remain user-friendly.
Recommendations from the EPBD Implementation Guide
Efficient Buildings Europe presented the main findings of its EPBD Implementation Guide, a resource bringing together 55 recommendations and a wide set of case studies to support Member States in translating the Directive’s provisions into practice. At its core, the Guide explains why smarter buildings are essential to achieving a zero‑emission building stock and how policy, technology, and skills must evolve in parallel.
Smarter buildings deliver three key benefits. They empower occupants by giving them greater control over indoor conditions and energy use. They strengthen the interaction with the energy system, enabling electrification, demand‑side flexibility, and more efficient integration of renewables. And they improve data availability, helping bridge the persistent gap between theoretical performance and real‑world outcomes.
To turn this potential into reality, the Guide highlights several implementation priorities:
1. Smarter and decarbonised buildings
Member States are encouraged to update technical building system definitions to explicitly include electrical installations, ensuring a more coherent approach to digitalisation and electrification. The Guide also recommends wider use of hourly calculation methods to better reflect dynamic energy flows, and alignment of EPBD implementation with national digitalisation strategies to avoid fragmented approaches.
2. A reliable system
Delivering smart, high‑performing buildings requires robust quality assurance. Stronger inspection regimes and verification processes are needed to ensure that recommendations are actually implemented and that systems operate as intended. The Guide also calls for greater uptake of measured savings methodologies, which provide a more accurate picture of real building performance and help build trust in smart solutions.
3. Innovation and skills
Public procurement can play a decisive role in accelerating the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and other digital tools across the construction sector. At the same time, the transition to smarter buildings depends on a skilled workforce capable of designing, installing, and maintaining increasingly complex systems. Training and upskilling are therefore essential. The Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) can also support this transition by acting as a communication tool, helping occupants understand the smart capabilities of their buildings.
Digital solutions and digital twins
A contribution from Autodesk highlighted that a large share of construction data remains unused. The transition from BIM to data-rich digital twins enables structured data capture, centralised management, and improved operational performance.
Examples showed how digital twins support maintenance, space management, energy optimisation, and much more. The case of Ireland’s National Children’s Hospital illustrated how digital tools can bridge construction and operations, providing facility managers with accessible asset-linked information.
Lighting and smart systems
Signify emphasised the role of intelligent lighting systems in reducing energy use while enhancing comfort and generating valuable operational data. It was introduced the example of The Edge, an innovative office building in Amsterdam, was introduced, where a connected lighting system lowered the annual cost of space per employee by over €1,800 compared to their original offices.
Climate adaptation: the Poissy schools case
A case study presented by Somfy demonstrated how solar shading solutions in 15 schools in Poissy reduced indoor temperatures by 5.1°C compared to non-equipped classrooms. The project delivered annual savings of 301,000 kWh and €200,000, with a four-year payback period.
With heatwaves expected to increase in Europe over the next few years, building preparedness is essential.
The BACS Decree in France
The French Ministry of Ecology, Energy and Territories presented the national Building Automation & Control Systems (BACS) Decree as an effective way to meet the requirements of the Eco Énergie Tertiaire (EET) scheme, which applies to tertiary buildings over 1,000 m² and sets progressive energy reduction targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050.
BACS mandatory inspections must take place at least every five years and after installation or replacement of systems. In 2024, the BACS equipment rate in French tertiary buildings stood at 15%, with higher uptake in larger buildings and specific sectors.
Conclusion
The webinar demonstrated that smart technologies are central to delivering zero-emission buildings. By combining robust regulation under the EPBD with digital tools, automation systems, and climate adaptation measures, smart buildings can enhance comfort, reduce emissions, empower occupants, and deliver measurable economic benefits.
