On July 10, 2026, the Bundestag passed the Building Modernization Act (GModG), with the Bundesrat granting its approval on the same day. The GModG replaces the previous Building Energy Act (GEG) and, among other things, repeals the so-called Heating Act—the mandate requiring 65 percent renewable energy for heating system replacements—without replacement. Anyone who immediately thinks of the heating debate when they hear "GModG" may easily overlook one of the most practically significant changes: the substantial expansion of the building automation mandate.

‍

What is changing specifically: Section 71a GEG becomes Section 56 GModG

The previous regulation on building automation from Section 71a GEG is being transferred to a standalone Section 56 in the GModG—and significantly tightened in the process. The decisive difference lies in the power threshold: previously, the automation mandate applied to non-residential buildings with heating, air conditioning, or ventilation systems with a rated output of more than 290 kilowatts. With Section 56 GModG, this threshold drops to more than 70 kilowatts.

The effect of this reduction is significant: while previously it primarily affected large commercial properties and industrial buildings, many more office buildings, administrative buildings, schools, and other non-residential buildings will fall under the mandate in the future—often starting at around 1,000 m² of usable floor space.

Affected existing buildings must be retrofitted by December 31, 2029, provided that the equipment is technically feasible and economically reasonable.

‍

What the system must be capable of according to the law

Section 56 GModG describes quite specifically what a building automation system must be capable of. This includes, among other things:

• continuous monitoring, logging, and analysis of the consumption of all main energy sources as well as all building technical systems,
• the ability to actively adjust this consumption,
• the establishment of energy efficiency target values and the detection of efficiency losses,
• informing operators about opportunities for improvement,
• as well as a manufacturer-independent, open data interface.

This requirement is significantly more concrete than mere "demand-based control"—it calls for a system that consistently measures, documents, evaluates, and actively intervenes.

‍

Who is actually affected by this?

For owners and operators, it is worth taking an early look at their own system technology. The practical consequence of the lowered threshold: a building that previously sat comfortably below the 290 kW limit and was therefore exempt from the automation mandate may suddenly be affected under the new 70 kW limit—with a retrofit deadline that, while running until the end of 2029, should already be on the agenda for many portfolios given the necessary planning and procurement time.

‍

How viboo contributes to § 56 compliance

The viboo platform addresses exactly the points required by law:

• Room-by-room control of heat distribution – instead of coarse regulation at the generator level.
• Recording & analysis of heat consumption – the basis for the continuous consumption monitoring required by law.
• Suggestions for optimization or automatic optimization of the heating system – the detection of efficiency losses and active adjustment required by law.
• Indoor climate monitoring – relevant for both verification and operation.
• Interoperability via open interfaces to BMS & EMS – in line with the required manufacturer-independent data interface.

Because viboo works with wireless, hardware-independent devices, an existing building can often be retrofitted within a few hours – without the need to first install a classic, wired building management system.

‍

In a nutshell

• The GModG has replaced the GEG; the automation requirement has moved from § 71a GEG to § 56 GModG.
• The performance threshold is dropping from >290 kW to >70 kW – meaning significantly more buildings are affected.
• Retrofitting deadline: December 31, 2029, provided it is technically feasible and economically reasonable.
• A system is required that continuously measures, logs, analyzes, actively adjusts, and offers open interfaces.
• viboo covers exactly these requirements – wirelessly and quickly installable.

‍

Are you wondering if your building or portfolio is affected by Section 56 of the GModG and how you can meet the requirements most efficiently?
Feel free to contact us here. We would be happy to review this with you and introduce you to our solution from viboo.

‍