With the growing need for energy efficiency and the expansion of renewable energy sources, the Building to Grid (BtG) approach is becoming a key focus in modern energy strategies. This innovative concept enables buildings to actively interact with the power grid - reducing operational costs, increasing sustainability, and enhancing grid stability.
What is Building to Grid?
Building to Grid (BtG) is a forward-thinking concept where buildings evolve from passive electricity consumers to active participants in the energy system. Through intelligent energy management, energy storage, and renewable integration, buildings can dynamically adjust their energy consumption or production in response to real-time grid conditions—such as reducing demand during peak times or exporting surplus energy back to the grid.
In essence, BtG connects building technologies with the electric grid and coordinates them in real-time, optimizing for both technical and economic conditions.
Key Components of Building to Grid:
- Integration of heating and cooling systems, including thermal storage
- Smart control of ventilation and air-handling systems in line with energy demand
- Intelligent EV charging infrastructure management based on pricing and grid availability
- Use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar PV, CHP units, diesel generators)
- Implementation of battery energy storage systems
- BMS (Building Management System) optimization based on energy usage, prices, and grid signals
This approach is built on the principles of Demand Side Response (DSR) and Energy Management Optimization Systems (EMOS), providing flexibility, cost optimization, and even new revenue opportunities for building owners and operators.
Why Adopt a Building to Grid Approach?
By implementing a BtG strategy, buildings can achieve:
- Lower energy costs through dynamic consumption optimization and time-of-use tariffs
- Increased energy independence via renewables and storage integration
- Participation in grid flexibility markets and balancing services
- Compliance with the 2024 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)
- Reduced carbon footprint, enhancing appeal to tenants and investors
- Achievement of ESG goals and support for green certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM)
What is Required for Building to Grid Integration?
In the Czech Republic, BtG is being progressively incorporated into the legal framework, particularly through the Lex OZE III amendment, which introduces clear rules for energy storage, flexibility aggregation, and other BtG enablers.
Key requirements for BtG participation include:
Electricity Trading License
Entities acting as independent flexibility aggregators must hold a trading license. However, if a building provides flexibility through an external aggregator, a license is typically not needed—except when using battery storage systems over 100 kW.
Technical Infrastructure
Deployment of smart energy management systems is essential to effectively manage energy flows and deliver flexibility.
Aggregator Partnership
Buildings must be able to communicate with an aggregator, who coordinates and markets their flexibility.
ČEPS Certification
Flexibility providers must be certified by ČEPS and demonstrate both technical readiness and delivery verification of flexibility services.
FLOWBOX EMOS: Your BtG Enabler
FLOWBOX EMOS plays a vital role in enabling the Building to Grid concept by offering:
- Real-time energy management and monitoring
- Seamless integration with BMS systems and building automation (e.g., HVAC, lighting, MaR)
- Aggregator connectivity, enabling flexibility services participation
- Smart metering support, compatible with a wide range of devices and standards
- Automation and predictive control, leveraging AI to optimize building behavior based on market signals and grid needs
FLOWBOX EMOS: Powering the Future of Energy-Smart Buildings
BtG opens the door to active energy control, cost-effective building operations, and sustainable performance. FLOWBOX EMOS offers the ideal platform to make this possible—providing detailed energy analytics, automatic grid responses, and integration into flexibility markets. Its open architecture and compatibility make it suitable for both new and existing buildings, without requiring significant investment.
FLOWBOX EMOS is your practical step toward a digital, flexible, and energy-intelligent future.