ISO 52120-1:2021

Overview

ISO 52120-1:2021 - "Energy performance of buildings - Contribution of building automation, controls and building management - Part 1: General framework and procedures" - defines a consistent, international framework for assessing how building automation and control (BAC) and technical building management (TBM) contribute to the energy performance of buildings. Published as the first edition in 2021 (corrected 2022), the standard is part of the EPB modular set and provides methods for specifying, estimating and calculating the energy impact of BAC/BMS functions across building types and complexities.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Structured function list: A categorized list of BAC and TBM functions that influence building energy use, organized by building discipline and control domain.
• Minimum requirements/specification method: Guidance to define minimum BAC function requirements or bespoke specifications suitable for buildings of varying complexity.
• Two assessment methods:
  • Method 1 - Detailed calculation: A rigorous procedure for assessing the BAC contribution to energy performance of a specific building (input data sources, calculation intervals, outputs).
  • Method 2 - Factor-based method: A simplified, factor-driven approach to obtain a first estimate of BAC impact for typical building types and use profiles.
• BAC efficiency classes and factors: Classification of BAC systems into efficiency classes and associated factors to quantify likely savings and performance.
• Quality control and compliance checks: Procedures to ensure assessment validity and to support regulatory or certification use.
• Practical annexes: Includes normative minimum function-type requirements, BAC efficiency factors, examples (mapping to ISO 16484-3), applying BAC in energy management systems (ISO 50001), and guidance on maintaining BAC energy efficiency and control accuracy.

Practical applications and users

ISO 52120-1 is aimed at professionals involved in building energy assessment and design:

• Energy assessors and auditors seeking standardized methods to include BAC effects in energy performance metrics.
• Building services engineers and BMS integrators specifying control strategies and minimum function sets to meet energy targets.
• Facility managers and energy managers (ISO 50001) using BAC data to drive operational savings and continuous improvement.
• Regulators and policymakers who need a harmonized approach for national building energy codes and performance benchmarks.
• Architects and consultants estimating the likely impact of automation strategies early in design.

Related standards

• ISO 52000-1 (overarching EPB assessment framework)
• ISO 50001 (energy management systems)
• ISO 7345 (thermal performance terms)
• ISO/TR 52120-2 (technical report supporting application)
• ISO 16484-3 (BAC function list mapping in examples)

ISO 52120-1 provides a practical, interoperable basis to quantify and specify the energy performance contribution of building automation and controls, supporting better design, procurement and operations for energy-efficient buildings.