A recent report from the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) proposes a strategy to make tertiary buildings key players in the energy transition. This report, the result of a rapid task force involving all industry stakeholders, aims to enhance energy efficiency and flexibility in large tertiary buildings.
Climate Emergency and Energy Transition
The energy transition is essential to address the climate emergency. Increasing renewable energy and energy savings are crucial to achieving carbon neutrality. For this, the control of energy consumption and flexibility must be deployed across all sectors, particularly in tertiary buildings.
Untapped Potential of Tertiary Buildings
Currently, only 6% of tertiary buildings larger than 1,000 square meters are equipped with energy consumption management systems. Moreover, some of these buildings do not fully exploit their potential. By optimizing the use of these systems, up to 6 GW could be mobilized during peak periods.
Recommendations for Improved Energy Management
The report identifies obstacles to deploying energy management solutions and proposes concrete solutions. Here are the main recommendations:
- Strengthen Energy Management Culture : Disseminate and enhance communication on the BACS decree (Building Automation & Control Systems) and ensure regular monitoring of its implementation. It is also essential to generalize best practices and provide targeted financial support to stakeholders.
- Activate Electrical Flexibility : Improve management practices of flexibility in control systems, configure an “Emergency EcoWatt” mode, and adapt the regulatory framework. Develop data exchange protocols and ensure system interoperability.
- Economically Value Flexibility : Incorporate flexibility into electricity supply contracts and offers to make it more attractive. Continue and deepen ongoing experiments by operators.
A Stake for Everyone
The CRE’s Prospective reports aim to inform public debate on energy issues, targeting political and economic decision-makers, citizens, as well as academic and research actors.
Conclusion
Making tertiary buildings key actors in the energy transition is crucial to meet climate challenges. By strengthening energy management systems and valuing flexibility, we can significantly reduce our energy consumption and improve the resilience of the electrical grid. The CRE’s recommendations provide a clear roadmap to achieve these goals, highlighting the importance of collective action and innovation.
