Smart-ready service C-4 · Cooling
Flexibility and grid interaction
In short
- 1This page covers the smart-ready service C-4, which measures how well a cooling system can respond to signals from the electricity grid.
- 2The service has five functionality levels, ranging from no automatic control to a system that combines local forecasts with grid signals.
- 3C-4 falls under method A, meaning the service counts toward the simpler version of the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI).
The levels
Level 0
No automatic control
Level 1
Scheduled operation of cooling system
Level 2
Self-learning optimal control of cooling system
Level 3
Cooling system capable of flexible control through grid signals (e.g. DSM)
Level 4
Optimized control of cooling system based on local predictions and grid signals (e.g. through model predictive control)
What does service C-4 measure?
Service C-4 belongs to the Cooling domain within the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI). The service does not assess cooling performance itself, but rather the extent to which the cooling system can respond to the electricity grid.
A building that scores well on this point can temporarily reduce or shift its cooling demand when the grid requests this. This is also known as demand side management.
What functionality levels are there?
The service has five levels, numbered 0 to 4. At level 0, there is no automatic control of the cooling system.
- Level 1: time-based operation of the cooling system, for example via a fixed schedule.
- Level 2: self-learning optimal control of the cooling system that adapts to usage patterns.
- Level 3: the cooling system can be flexibly controlled via grid signals, such as demand side management.
- Level 4: optimised control based on local forecasts and grid signals, for example via model-based predictive control.
Each higher level requires more intelligence in the building management system (BMS) and greater integration with external information about the grid.
Why does this service count toward method A?
The Smart Readiness Indicator uses two calculation methods. Method A is the simpler variant with 27 smart-ready services, method B works with all 54 services.
Service C-4 is part of both methods. This indicates that the developers of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2155 consider cooling system flexibility a core characteristic of a smart-ready building.
How does this relate to mandatory building automation?
Independently of the SRI, article 13 of the EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive) already requires building automation above certain power thresholds. Above 290 kW, this requirement applied from end 2024; above 70 kW, it will apply from end 2029.
That obligation concerns the presence of a building automation and control system (BACS). The SRI score for C-4 goes a step further and assesses how intelligently that system actually functions.
Relevant for these building types
Next step
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