The new European directive EPBD IV (2024/1275) marks a major milestone in the transition toward sustainable buildings. The requirements are stricter, and the ambitions clearer: by 2050, all buildings in the EU must be COâ‚‚-neutral. For building owners, developers, and energy managers, this means that lighting is no longer a secondary consideration – it has become a core component of a broader energy and sustainability strategy.
Of course, at Project Nekton, we closely follow these developments! As a specialist in smart lighting and building automation, we help organisations build and renovate with the future in mind.
Smart lighting as a mandatory part of building automation
Where lighting was once viewed as a stand-alone system, EPBD IV now officially recognises it as a technical system that contributes directly to a building’s energy performance. In other words, lighting must not only be energy-efficient—it must also be intelligent and integrated.
In larger buildings, smart lighting control is now mandatory. From the end of 2024, non-residential buildings with a heating capacity above 290 kW must be equipped with automated lighting control systems. For buildings over 70 kW, this requirement applies from the end of 2029.
These systems must:
- Automatically regulate lighting by zone
- Respond to occupancy
- Use daylight-based dimming wherever possible
The goal? Minimise energy consumption without compromising comfort or safety.
Energy and COâ‚‚ monitoring: reporting is now mandatory
In addition to control, transparency in energy use is becoming increasingly important. EPBD IV requires building owners to monitor and report data on energy consumption, indoor climate conditions, and system performance via national databases.
Lighting systems must therefore go beyond control, they must also be able to generate meaningful data, including:
- Monitoring of energy and COâ‚‚ consumption
- Detection of deviations from predefined benchmarks
- Communication with other systems such as HVAC, shading, or ventilation
Smart lighting solutions from Project Nekton – often integrated with platforms like Casambi or Interact – deliver these features as standard.
Renovation and new builds: lighting as a strategic component
The impact of EPBD IV is not limited to existing buildings. New construction projects are also required to incorporate smart lighting solutions. This includes more than just replacing conventional lighting with LEDs – it involves:
- Installing presence and daylight sensors
- Integrating lighting with building automation
- Using systems that support energy and sustainability targets
Recent studies show these measures can result in energy savings of up to 60%, making such investments not only regulatory but also economically attractive.
Project Nekton as your partner in EPBD-compliant smart lighting
At Project Nekton, we combine technical expertise, strategic lighting design, and hands-on experience with smart systems. We support clients at every stage: from analysis and design to implementation and monitoring. Our solutions meet the latest regulatory standards while enhancing occupant health, safety, and productivity.
Our systems also provide:
- Accurate energy data for compliance reporting
- Easy management through intuitive dashboards
- Seamless integration with other smart building technologies
Conclusion: act now, be prepared later
EPBD IV sends a clear message: lighting plays a central role in the energy transition of buildings. Building owners, facility managers, and developers who invest now in smart, connected lighting solutions will not only ensure regulatory compliance – they’ll be actively building toward a more sustainable and future-proof real estate portfolio.
Curious how your building can meet EPBD IV requirements?
Get in touch with us and discover how we can support your transition to smart and energy-efficient lighting.
