SRI class
Class 80–90 %: very smart
In short
- 1A score between 80 and 90 percent on the Smart Readiness Indicator places a building in the "Very Smart" class, also called class B.
- 2Such buildings have a mature building management system and installations that respond to user demand.
- 3They are also taking first steps toward energy flexibility, meaning the building can adjust its energy use to match supply.
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 does "Very Smart" class mean?
A building with a score between 80 and 90 percent on the Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI) falls into the "Very Smart" class. This is the name used on this platform, not an official EU term. In tools and certificates, this class corresponds to letter B.
The SRI measures the extent to which a building uses smart technology to manage energy efficiently, respond to user needs, and interact flexibly with the energy grid. The score is calculated across nine domains, including heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting.
What characterizes a building in this class?
Buildings in class B typically have a mature building management system (BMS). This system centrally controls installations and collects data on their operation, allowing managers to intervene quickly if deviations occur.
Additionally, the installations in these buildings are demand-driven. This means heating, cooling, or ventilation adjust to actual occupancy or need, rather than running on a fixed schedule.
A third characteristic is that these buildings show early forms of energy flexibility. They can, for example, temporarily shift their energy use, which is useful during grid peaks or when energy prices vary.
How does this class compare to other classes?
The SRI has seven classes, ranging from below 20 percent to 90 to 100 percent. Class B, with a score between 80 and 90 percent, sits just below the highest class.
The difference from the highest class often lies in the level of automation and how actively the building participates in energy markets. Class B buildings have the basics in place, but do not yet use all options for advanced control.
Is the SRI mandatory for this type of building?
The SRI is currently voluntary. The European Commission must adopt a delegated act by 30 June 2027 that is expected to make the SRI mandatory for non-residential buildings with installations above 290 kW.
Until then, owners and managers can use the SRI as a voluntary tool to map the smart performance of their building.
One class higher
90–100 % · Fully smart-ready: Almost all installations are smartly controlled, integrated and ready to move with the grid. This band is still rare in the European test phases.
What this means for you
- Owner
- As the owner of a building in "Very Smart" class, you may consider investing in more advanced control and energy flexibility to move toward the highest class. This not only raises the score but can also lower energy costs and make the building more attractive to tenants.
- Tenant
- As a user of a building in this class, you likely notice that heating, cooling, and lighting align well with your presence and needs. Faults are often detected and corrected quickly, thanks to the central building management system.
- Advisor
- When assessing a building in this class, focus on the level of integration between different domains, not only the presence of individual smart features. Also verify whether energy flexibility is actually operational or still in a test phase.
Next step
Want to know where your building stands?