Building Modernisation Act
The GModG for non-residential buildings.
An overview.
Germany's Building Modernisation Act has replaced the Building Energy Act. Headlines mostly focus on heating. For offices, halls and retail, § 56 is at least as important.
The Building Modernisation Act (Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz, GModG) is the new name and new version of the German Building Energy Act, GEG (Federal Law Gazette 2026 I No. 226). It has applied since 29 July 2026, and further parts take effect on 1 January 2027, 1 January 2028 and 1 January 2030. For non-residential buildings, § 56 is the key provision: from 70 kW it requires building automation and automatic lighting control.
What § 56 GModG requires
| Obligation | For whom | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Building automation with monitoring ((1) and (2)) | Non-residential buildings with a system above 70 kW | 31 December 2029 |
| Automatic lighting control ((6)) | Non-residential buildings with a system above 70 kW | 31 December 2029 |
| Zoning and occupancy detection ((6)) | "Should" requirement for this control | 31 December 2029 |
| Automation class B or C ((3)) | Non-residential buildings to be constructed | On construction |
The trigger is the rated output per system, and lighting doesn't count towards it. Once the threshold is exceeded, however, the lighting is part of the obligation.
All topics around the GModG
Law and context
- GEG and GModG: what has changed
- GModG exemptions and waivers
- EPBD Article 13: EU requirements for lighting
- Lighting control in let commercial buildings
Technology and implementation
- GModG lighting: implementation from one source
- Sensors for the GModG
- Luminaire control
- Maintenance contract
By application
Costs
Outside Germany
The GModG applies in Germany only. In other EU countries, national law implements the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. See our lighting control pages for all 27 EU member states.
As of November 2026. General information, not legal advice. The wording of the law is what counts.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Building Modernisation Act
What is the Building Modernisation Act?
The GModG is the successor to the German Building Energy Act (GEG). It sets energy requirements for buildings and implements requirements of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The German text is available at gesetze-im-internet.de.
Since when has the GModG applied?
The act was promulgated on 28 July 2026 and has applied since 29 July 2026. Further parts take effect on 1 January 2027, 1 January 2028 and 1 January 2030.
Does the GModG also apply to existing buildings?
Yes. § 56 expressly also covers existing non-residential buildings with systems above 70 kW. The deadline is 31 December 2029.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
For building automation under § 56 (1), § 108 provides for a fine of up to €5,000. Lighting under (6) carries no fine according to the wording, but it remains a legal obligation, which matters for a sale or letting, for example.
Free initial consultation
What does the GModG mean for your building?
Talk to us about your building. We'll work out together what applies.