SRI class
Class 50–65 %: on the way
In short
- 1This class ranges from 50 to 65 percent and is called "On the way" here, with letter D in tools.
- 2The building has a building management system and some installations are already being controlled smartly.
- 3However, the control is not consistent and the systems do not work well together.
Position in the class table
| Band | Name | Meaning | Letter in tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90–100 % | Fully smart-ready | Almost all installations are smartly controlled, integrated and ready to move with the grid. | A |
| 80–90 % | Very smart | A building with a mature building management system, demand-driven installations and first forms of energy flexibility. | B |
| 65–80 % | Smart | The main installations are controlled per zone and on occupancy. | C |
| 50–65 % | On the way | There is a building management system and some installations are smartly controlled, but not consistently and not integrated. | D |
| 35–50 % | Basics in place | Central controls and time schedules, little occupancy control, limited reporting. | E |
| 20–35 % | Limited | Manual operation dominates. | F |
| 0–20 % | Not smart-ready | Almost everything is operated by hand. | G |
What exactly does class D mean?
A score between 50 and 65 percent on the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) falls into class D. On this platform we informally call this class "On the way". This is not an official name from European regulation, but a way to make the score understandable.
A building in this class has a building management system (BMS), also known as a building automation and control system (BACS). Some of the technical installations, such as heating or lighting, are automatically controlled by it.
Why does a building with a building management system not score higher?
The presence of a building management system alone is not enough for a higher class. The SRI methodology assesses each smart-ready service by its functionality level, from 0 to 4, distributed across nine domains such as heating, cooling and ventilation.
In class D, control is often limited to individual installations. Heating, cooling and lighting are controlled separately, for example, without coordination between them. As a result, part of the potential remains unused.
The score also takes into account seven impact criteria, including energy efficiency and comfort. If systems are not integrated, these criteria score lower than they could.
What is needed to move to a higher class?
A higher class usually requires integration between the different domains. Think of a system that coordinates heating, cooling and ventilation rather than controlling them separately.
The three key functionalities, which are weighted equally in the methodology, also play a role. Improvement here often requires software updates or additional sensors, not always major renovations.
Buildings above 290 kW of installation capacity already faced mandatory building automation by the end of 2024 under article 13 of the EPBD. This applies to buildings above 70 kW from the end of 2029.
One class higher
65–80 % · Smart: The main installations are controlled per zone and on occupancy. Faults are reported. Flexibility towards the grid is usually still missing.
What this means for you
- Owner
- As an owner it is worthwhile to examine which systems do and do not communicate with each other, as integration often delivers more than new equipment. A higher class may also become relevant now that the European Commission must decide by 30 June 2027 on whether to make it mandatory for larger non-residential buildings.
- Tenant
- As a tenant or user you may notice that comfort settings sometimes have to be adjusted manually, because systems do not automatically respond to each other. Heating, cooling and lighting work, but do not always work together as efficiently as they could.
- Advisor
- In the assessment it is important to look at the degree of integration between domains, not only at the presence of technology. Also note which of the three key functionalities are already present and which are missing, as this often determines the quickest route to a higher class.
Next step
Want to know where your building stands?