March 12, 2026 – Brussels – EPBD Update Passes with Bipartisan Support
The European Parliament has approved the latest update to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), mandating occupancy-based lighting and HVAC control in all new commercial buildings starting January 1, 2028. The directive effectively requires PIR sensors (or equivalent technology) in offices, schools, hospitals, retail spaces, and other commercial buildings.
The vote passed 487-96 after two years of negotiations, representing one of the most significant energy efficiency mandates in EU history.
Key Requirements
Lighting Control
- All lighting in commercial buildings must have occupancy-based control
- Lights must turn off or dim to <20% within 15 minutes of space becoming unoccupied
- Daylight harvesting required in perimeter zones with sufficient natural light
- Individual room control required (not zone-level only)
- Manual override capability must be provided for occupants
HVAC Control
- Heating and cooling must be reduced or shut off in unoccupied spaces
- Temperature setbacks of at least 3°C for heating, 2°C for cooling when unoccupied
- Ventilation must be demand-controlled based on occupancy (CO2 or direct sensing)
- Hotel guest rooms must have occupancy-based temperature control
Compliance Timeline
- January 2028: All new building permits must comply
- January 2030: Major renovations (>25% of building value) must comply
- January 2032: All existing commercial buildings >1000m² must retrofit
- January 2035: All existing commercial buildings must comply
Impact on PIR Sensor Market
The directive is expected to drive significant demand for PIR sensors across Europe:
- Approximately 150,000 new commercial buildings/year in EU (2025 average)
- Average 50 sensors per building (estimate) = 7.5 million sensors/year for new construction
- Retrofit market: 4.5 million existing buildings × 50 sensors = 225 million sensors over 7-10 years
- Total EU demand: 30-40 million sensors/year at peak (2028-2035)
- Market value: €500-700 million annually at current prices
Sensor Requirements
To meet the directive, sensors must:
- Detect presence (not just motion) – requiring high-sensitivity sensors for seated workers
- Have adjustable hold times (30 seconds to 30 minutes)
- Integrate with building management systems (BACnet, KNX, Modbus)
- Meet reliability standards (10+ year design life, 50,000 cycle minimum)
- Provide diagnostic information for maintenance (self-test capability)
- Comply with CE, RoHS, and REACH requirements
- Meet data privacy standards (GDPR compliant, local processing preferred)
Technology Implications
The mandate is expected to accelerate adoption of several sensor technologies:
High-Sensitivity PIR
Standard PIR sensors that only detect motion will not suffice for spaces where occupants may be seated (offices, classrooms). High-sensitivity models with 400+ detection zones (like Panasonic PaPIRs+) will be required.
Dual-Technology Sensors
In challenging environments (spaces with obstructions, high air movement), dual-technology sensors (PIR + ultrasonic or PIR + microwave) may be specified to ensure reliable detection.
Wireless vs. Wired
The directive does not specify communication method, leaving the choice between wired and wireless to designers. Wireless sensors will be preferred for retrofits; wired for new construction.
Industry Reaction
“This directive transforms occupancy sensing from an energy-saving option to a legal requirement,” said Klaus Müller, director of the European Building Automation Association. “It represents a massive opportunity for sensor manufacturers and a significant challenge for the construction industry to scale up installation capacity.”
Major sensor manufacturers including Panasonic, Murata, and Honeywell have announced capacity expansions to meet expected demand.
Member State Implementation
Member states have until January 2027 to transpose the directive into national law. Some countries with existing stricter requirements (Germany’s EnEV, Netherlands’ BENG) may maintain or exceed the EU minimums.
Enforcement and Penalties
Non-compliance can result in:
- Denial of occupancy permits for new buildings
- Fines up to €100 per square meter of non-compliant floor area
- Ineligibility for government incentives and green building certifications
- Publication of non-compliant buildings on public registry
Conclusion
The EPBD update represents the largest regulatory driver for PIR sensor adoption in history. Sensor manufacturers, building automation companies, and installers face both unprecedented opportunity and the challenge of scaling up to meet demand.