Building Energy Act
Building
Energy Act
Building Energy Act
Building automation: improving energy efficiency
The German Building Energy Act (GEG) brought building automation into sharper focus. This framework is now continued in the Building Modernisation Act (Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz). For owners and operators, the goal remains the same: transparent energy data, demand-based system control and continuous improvement of building operation.
This page distinguishes the former GEG requirements from current developments. Updated: October 2026. The applicable German legislation is authoritative.
As a building automation specialist, we help assess your building’s technical requirements and plan suitable measures. From the initial survey and open interfaces to commissioning, we connect measurement data, control and operation in a coordinated solution. The scope depends on building use, installed systems and the applicable requirements.
Energy efficiency in focus
We help you comply with the Building Energy Act through energy-efficient solutions that reduce consumption and save costs.
Future-ready technologies
Our systems and concepts meet GEG requirements and use future-ready technologies to deliver sustainable, cost-effective results.
Individual advice
We provide tailored advice to help ensure that your building meets the legal requirements and is optimally prepared.
Act with the environment in mind
Our innovative solutions help you actively reduce CO₂ emissions and achieve your climate targets in line with the GEG.
The regulatory framework at a glance
Building automation requirements
The former GEG rules for non-residential buildings above 290 kW required building automation by the end of 2024. That deadline is in the past.
The current Building Modernisation Act (Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz) regulates building automation in section 56. Non-residential buildings with a relevant system output above 70 kW generally have to be equipped by 31 December 2029. Exceptions include technical impossibility and economic unreasonableness. The applicable legislation and transitional provisions must be checked for each project.
Technical foundations for efficient buildings
The Building Energy Act calls for greater energy efficiency and the use of sustainable technologies in buildings. Measures include minimising energy demand, using renewable energy and introducing modern control and monitoring of technical systems to optimise energy consumption.
- Digital energy monitoring
- Open communication protocols
- Automated control
- Energy manager
- Fault management
Automation in new and existing buildings
Requirements tailored to the building
Requirements differ between new and existing buildings. Relevant factors include system output, building use, technical feasibility and transitional provisions. Building automation links monitoring and control so that consumption data can lead to practical operational improvements.
The automation obligations described here concern non-residential buildings. Requirements for residential buildings must be assessed separately.
The general deadline is the end of 2029. Existing systems, exceptions and transitional provisions must be assessed.
New buildings above 290 kW require at least automation class B, together with open interfaces and commissioning management.
The output threshold for the automation obligation described here is not exceeded. Other requirements and energy-saving potential need separate assessment.
For new buildings above 70 kW and up to 290 kW, at least automation class C is specified. The actual system output is decisive.
Who does the GEG apply to?
Target groups and requirements of the GEG
The automation obligations described here concern non-residential buildings. Current requirements distinguish primarily between system outputs and new or existing buildings. For systems above 70 kW, the general deadline is the end of 2029; new buildings also face requirements for automation class and commissioning management.
This must be distinguished from the former GEG deadline at the end of 2024 for buildings above 290 kW. Residential buildings and special cases require separate assessment.
Deadlines and transitional provisions
Legislative developments and next steps
Current legislation rather than a future 2026 deadline: The legal framework was revised in 2026. Building automation is now regulated in section 56 of the Building Modernisation Act. It covers energy monitoring, open data interfaces, identifying efficiency losses and monitoring indoor environmental quality.
This does not establish a blanket obligation for all buildings from 29 May 2026. The scope, system output and applicable deadlines must be assessed.
Transition for systems already installed: Section 56(4) includes a specific retrofit provision for certain automation systems installed in existing non-residential buildings during the three years before 1 January 2027 that do not yet meet the new requirements. Eligibility depends on the installation date and existing functions.
The current legislation does not set a general lighting control obligation for every building by 31 December 2027. For the non-residential buildings concerned, section 56(6) generally specifies the end of 2029.
General deadline: 31 December 2029. Non-residential buildings with a relevant heating, air-conditioning or combined system output above 70 kW generally have to be equipped with building automation. Appropriately zoned automatic lighting control with occupancy detection is also required.
The legislation provides exceptions, particularly for technical impossibility or economic unreasonableness. Start with a survey: system output, existing measurement points, interfaces and control functions provide the basis for a suitable implementation plan.
The potential of building automation
Technological solutions for maximum efficiency
Modern building automation systems offer substantial advantages beyond comfort alone. Targeted use of technology can deliver significant energy savings and operational improvements for businesses and property owners. For example, intelligent room automation with zone valves and CO₂ sensors, combined with precise control of heating and cooling systems, can reduce energy consumption by 20–30%. Digital interfaces for system documentation and monitoring also support continuous oversight and traceability.
Over the long term, automation helps reduce costs by minimising energy losses and optimising building operation. Sustainable resource use and continuous efficiency improvements are essential elements of the buildings of tomorrow.
Why building automation is essential
Building automation is essential for preserving the value and long-term viability of non-residential buildings in the context of the German Building Energy Act (GEG) 2024. Modern automation systems improve efficiency and help ensure that buildings meet GEG requirements. This supports their long-term competitiveness and adaptability.
By optimising energy supply and use as required by the GEG, building automation delivers substantial environmental and cost benefits. Intelligent control of heating, cooling and lighting can noticeably reduce energy consumption and operating costs, helping achieve climate targets and reduce CO₂ emissions.
- Preserving value and future readiness
- Environmental and cost benefits
- Legal compliance
- Long-term operating cost savings
- Improved operational efficiency
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FAQ
Building automation integrates different technical systems and devices within a building to make operation more efficient, comfortable and secure. Automating processes such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, security systems and other building services enables centralised control and monitoring. This can deliver energy savings, cost efficiency, improved working conditions and greater building security.
Building automation uses a variety of components and systems, including:
– Sensors: These record data such as temperature, humidity, movement and light levels.
– Actuators: These perform actions based on the information collected, such as switching lights, opening or closing doors, or regulating heating and air conditioning.
– Control systems: These provide centralised control and monitoring. They process sensor data, make decisions and issue commands to actuators.
– Communication interfaces: These enable data exchange between the different components and systems, both within the building and with external devices or systems.
Building automation makes a significant contribution to energy efficiency and cost savings. Examples include:
– Energy optimisation: Integrating sensors and intelligent control systems enables consumption to be optimised. Heating, air conditioning and lighting can respond to actual demand based on occupancy and environmental conditions, avoiding unnecessary energy losses.
– Load management: Building automation can manage consumption dynamically and reduce peak loads, for example by switching equipment off at certain times or staggering start-up times. This can reduce additional electricity supply costs.
– Fault detection and diagnosis: Continuous monitoring helps identify and resolve potential faults and inefficient operating conditions early. This avoids wasted energy and extends equipment life.
– Occupant comfort: Building automation allows settings such as room temperature, lighting levels and ventilation to be tailored to improve occupant comfort.