The European energy efficiency guideline, Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD), demands a European-wide obligatory energy certification of buildings. To verify energy efficiency, the European Building Automation and Controls Association (eu.bac), has developed the first Europe wide test and certification program for electronic single room controllers.

 

The test, based on the adherence to European standard EN15500, is offered by independent testing institutes and includes inspections of the production plant. Building automation products with this certification label stand for proven quality and energy efficiency according to the European standards and international testing directives. The following leading companies have received the first eu.bac certification mark for electronic individual zone control equipment: Belimo Automation (Chilled Ceiling), Hager Controls (Electric Floor Heater); Honeywell (Fan Coil Unit); Kieback & Peter (Radiator Heating); Fr. Sauter (Fan Coil Unit); Siemens (Fan Coil Unit); TAC (Fan Coil Unit). All tested single room controllers have on average 4 times better control accuracy as the European standard requires.

Thus the eu.bac certification mark stands for quality and energy efficiency. Several applications for more certifications are pending. At present, further tests for sensors, actuators, outside temperature compensated control equipment for water and electrical heating devices (OTC’s) and optimisers are being prepared. Certification testing will be available in 2008. According to the association’s press release, the eu.bac certification program is open to all providers of building automation products. Interested companies can apply for eu.bac certification through the Certification Management System (CMS).