GACS legislation from 2026: what does it mean for buildings?
As of January 1, 2026, major changes will come into effect for owners and managers of buildings with large climate control systems. The introduction of the GACS obligation (Building Automation and Control Systems) is a key element of the revised European EPBD directive. In this blog, you will learn what GACS is, who it applies to, what the requirements are, and how it supports broader sustainability goals such as the EED audit and CSRD reporting.
What is GACS legislation?
GACS stands for building automation and control systems. These systems ensure that the energy use of large building installations, such as heating, cooling and ventilation, is continuously measured, analyzed and adjusted. The goal is to detect efficiency losses in time, improve performance and optimize energy use wherever possible.
From January 1, 2026, GACS will become mandatory for buildings with a heating or cooling installation with a nominal capacity of 290 kW or more. Buildings that comply with this are also exempt from periodic inspections, provided the system meets all GACS requirements.
Requirements from the Building Decree (Bouwbesluit)
The obligations for GACS systems are set out in the Dutch Building Decree. It includes three key requirements:
1. Continuous measurement and analysis of energy use
- Energy consumption must be permanently recorded and analyzed.
- The system must allow for real-time control and adjustments.
2. Identifying efficiency potential
- The system must detect efficiency losses in technical systems.
- It should actively inform building managers about possible energy-saving improvements.
3. Communication and interoperability
- The system must be able to communicate with other technical building systems.
- Interoperability is required, meaning the system must be compatible with devices from different manufacturers and technologies.
The complete technical checklist is available via the official RVO publication.
Who does the GACS requirement apply to?
The requirement applies to:
- Public and commercial buildings with an HVAC system of 290 kW or more
- Real estate owners managing large utility buildings
- Housing corporations with collective installations
- Buildings still subject to periodic technical inspections
It is important to identify now which buildings fall under this regulation and how far along they are with automation and monitoring.
To whom does the GACS requirement apply?
GACS plays a vital role in improving the sustainability of the built environment. Through real-time monitoring, smart control and interoperability, large buildings can significantly improve their energy performance. This not only lowers energy costs but also contributes to national climate goals.
In addition, a well-functioning GACS helps meet other regulatory obligations, such as the EED audit and CSRD reporting requirements.
GACS also supports other requirements: EED and CSRD
Beyond its direct impact on energy efficiency and maintenance, a well-implemented GACS also supports compliance with other policies:
EED audit obligation (European Energy Efficiency Directive)
Organizations subject to the EED audit must perform a comprehensive energy audit every four years. GACS supports this by:
- Providing real-time energy data per system
- Storing historical consumption data
- Making efficiency losses visible
- Supporting audit reports with accurate, reliable data
CSRD reporting obligation (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive)
From 2024 and 2025 onwards, more companies will be required to report transparently on their energy use and carbon emissions. A GACS supports this process by:
- Automatically registering Scope 1 and 2 energy consumption
- Providing continuous insight into sustainability progress
- Delivering verified data for ESG reporting
- Offering integration with reporting tools or ESG platforms via exports or APIs
In short, GACS not only helps meet technical requirements but also lays the foundation for future-ready energy management and sustainability reporting.
Preparing for the GACS obligation
The GACS legislation requires action from building owners, installers and energy advisors. Start now with inventory, planning and, where needed, investment in smart systems to avoid last-minute pressure in 2025. Want to learn more or check if your building falls under the regulation? Visit rvo.nl.
By investing now in automation, you will not only comply with upcoming GACS legislation but also structurally improve your building’s energy performance.
Frequently asked questions about GACS
What is GACS legislation?
GACS stands for building automation and control systems. The legislation, which comes into force on January 1, 2026, requires large buildings to use systems that continuously monitor, analyze and control energy use. The aim is to prevent energy waste and support the energy transition.
Who must comply with GACS from 2026?
The requirement applies to buildings with heating or cooling installations with a nominal capacity of at least 290 kW. This includes large utility buildings, housing corporation properties and commercial buildings with collective systems.
What are the benefits of a GACS system?
A GACS system offers real-time insight into energy consumption, detects efficiency losses and enables smart adjustments. It also supports EED audits and CSRD reporting by automatically collecting reliable energy and sustainability data.
How is GACS different from standard building monitoring?
Traditional monitoring often measures only main-level consumption or works intermittently. GACS goes further by continuously monitoring, automatically analyzing and allowing smart control of installations. It also meets interoperability requirements set out in the Building Decree, ensuring compatibility with other systems and vendors.