Ireland EPBD BACS and EV Charging Regulations SI 393 Guide: Compliance Deadlines

Key Takeaways

• Existing non-dwellings with heating or air-conditioning systems over 290 kW must install BACS by 31 December 2025.
• Existing non-dwellings with more than 20 car parking spaces require EV charging points by 1 January 2025.
• New or majorly renovated non-dwellings with over 10 parking spaces need ducting for 1 in every 5 spaces.
• Small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are exempt from the retrospective EV charging point mandate under Regulation 6(1).

Understanding S.I. No. 393 of 2021 in Ireland

S.I. No. 393 of 2021, formally cited as the European Union (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2021, establishes new requirements for building automation and control systems (BACS), self-regulating room temperature devices, and electric vehicle (EV) recharging infrastructure in Ireland. These regulations apply to non-dwellings and multi-unit dwellings. They are to be construed together with the Building Regulations 1997 to 2021.

Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS) Mandates

The regulations introduce specific mandates for BACS installation in existing buildings.

An existing building (other than a dwelling) must be equipped with a BACS before 31 December 2025. This applies where technically and economically feasible. The mandate is triggered if the effective rated output for heating systems or systems for combined space heating and ventilation in the building is over 290 kW. It also applies if the effective rated output for systems for air-conditioning or systems for combined air-conditioning and ventilation in the building is over 290 kW.

Self-Regulating Room Temperature Devices

New buildings must be equipped with self-regulating devices for the separate regulation of temperature in each room or designated heated zone. This is required where technically and economically feasible. When a heat generator is replaced in an existing building, self-regulating devices must also be installed, where technically and economically feasible.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Requirements

The regulations set out requirements for EV recharging points and ducting infrastructure.

Existing Non-Dwellings

In respect of an existing building (other than a dwelling) with more than 20 car parking spaces, one or more recharging points must be installed before 1 January 2025. This requirement does not apply to a building that is owned and occupied by a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) under Regulation 6(1).

New or Majorly Renovated Non-Dwellings

A building (other than a dwelling) which has more than 10 car parking spaces, that is new or undergoing major renovation, must have at least one recharging point installed. It must also have ducting infrastructure (consisting of conduits for electric cables) for at least 1 in every 5 car parking spaces.

New or Majorly Renovated Multi-Unit Dwellings

A building containing one or more dwellings, which has more than 10 car parking spaces, that is new or undergoing major renovation, must have ducting infrastructure (consisting of conduits for electric cables) for each car parking space.

Compliance and Penalties

Works or buildings designed and constructed in accordance with guidance contained in a technical guidance document shall, prima facie, indicate compliance with the relevant requirements of these Regulations. Any person who contravenes (by act or omission) any requirement of these Regulations shall be guilty of an offence. A person guilty of an offence under Regulation 8 shall be liable to the penalties under section 17.

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