Smart-ready service H-4 · Heating
Flexibility and grid interaction
In short
- 1This page describes the smart-ready service H-4, flexibility and interaction with the grid in the heating domain.
- 2There are five functionality levels, from no automatic control to optimised control with forecasts and grid signals.
- 3This service does not count in the abbreviated method A, only in the full method B of the Smart Readiness Indicator.
The levels
Level 0
No automatic control
Level 1
Scheduled operation of heating system
Level 2
Self-learning optimal control of heating system
Level 3
Heating system capable of flexible control through grid signals (e.g. DSM)
Level 4
Optimized control of heating system based on local predictions and grid signals (e.g. through model predictive control)
What does H-4 mean within the Smart Readiness Indicator?
H-4 is a smart-ready service in the heating domain of the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI). The service measures the extent to which a building's heating system can respond to electricity grid signals.
This is relevant because electricity grids increasingly request flexibility. A heating system that can adapt to supply and demand helps relieve the grid at peak times.
Which levels does the methodology distinguish?
The SRI defines functionality levels 0 to 4 for each smart-ready service, from no automation to fully optimised control. For H-4 these levels progress as follows.
- Level 0: no automatic control of the heating system
- Level 1: time-scheduled operation, the system follows fixed timetables
- Level 2: self-learning optimal control without external signals
- Level 3: the system is suitable for flexible control via grid signals, for example demand side management (DSM)
- Level 4: optimised control based on local forecasts and grid signals, for example via model-based predictive control
Each higher level requires more technology in the building management system (BMS) and stronger integration between the heating system and external information.
Why does H-4 count only in method B?
The SRI methodology has two variants. Method A is an abbreviated assessment with 27 smart-ready services, method B is the full assessment with 54 services.
H-4 is not part of the core of method A. This service therefore counts only when a building is assessed using the expanded method B.
This means a building assessed only with method A receives no score for heating grid flexibility, even if the installation is prepared for it.
How does this relate to broader European regulation?
The SRI is governed by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/2155 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2156. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), in its current form Directive (EU) 2024/1275, makes use of the SRI voluntary.
The European Commission must adopt a delegated act by 30 June 2027. This is expected to make the SRI mandatory for non-residential buildings with installations above 290 kW.
Relevant for these building types
Next step
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