Overview
EN ISO 52120-1:2022 (ISO 52120‑1:2021, corrected 2022‑09) defines a harmonized framework for assessing the contribution of building automation, controls and building management (BAC/TBM/BMS) to the energy performance of buildings. It replaces EN 15232-1:2018 and is part of the EPB (energy performance of buildings) family referenced by ISO 52000‑1. The standard provides structured methods and tools to identify, specify and quantify how control and automation functions affect building energy use.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Structured function list: A categorized list of BAC and technical building management (TBM) functions aligned with building disciplines and BAC terminology.
- Minimum function requirements: A method to define minimum or project‑specific specifications for BAC/TBM functions across different building complexities.
- BAC efficiency classes: Classification of BAC performance into efficiency classes and assignment of functions to these classes to support consistent evaluation.
- Two calculation approaches:
- Factor‑based method - a fast, factor‑based estimation to get a first approximation of BAC impact for typical building types and usage profiles.
- Detailed calculation procedure - a full, time‑step based method to assess the effect of BAC functions on a specific building using measured or modelled input data.
- Supporting methods: Guidance on control accuracy, simplified input correlations, quality control and compliance checks.
- Annexes for implementation: Informative and normative annexes provide BAC efficiency factors (Annex A), minimum function requirements (Annex B), determination methods for factors (Annex C), mapping to ISO 16484‑3 function lists, and integration with energy management systems (Annex E / ISO 50001).
Practical applications and target users
This standard is practical for:
- Energy consultants and auditors performing energy performance assessments or retrofit appraisals.
- Building designers and HVAC engineers specifying BAC/TBM requirements during design to meet energy targets.
- BMS integrators and controls manufacturers developing or verifying system functionality and efficiency class claims.
- Facility managers and owners evaluating upgrades, validating savings, or integrating BAC into an Energy Management System (EnMS).
- Policy makers and regulators seeking standardized methods to quantify BAC contributions for codes, incentives or certification.
Typical uses include early‑stage design decisions, retrofit prioritization, energy modelling adjustments for BAC measures, EnMS reporting (ISO 50001), and compliance checks for energy performance regulations.
Related standards
Keywords: energy performance of buildings, building automation, controls, building management, BAC, TBM, ISO 52120‑1, energy efficiency, factor‑based method, detailed calculation.