GModG lighting
Lighting control under § 56 GModG.
From one source.
Germany's Building Modernisation Act requires automatic lighting control in many non-residential buildings by 31 December 2029. We retrofit your existing luminaires, from the site survey to monitoring.
Building Robotics Europe, based in Leipzig, implements GModG lighting in non-residential buildings. We survey your building, plan sensors and zones, show you the result in 3D beforehand and usually handle installation and commissioning too, anywhere in Germany.
For the lighting, sensors with zones and occupancy detection match this requirement exactly. Building automation for heating, ventilation and cooling is a separate part of § 56. For that part, the AU-Manager we use in every project supplies consumption data to your building automation via BACnet/IP, and we coordinate this with you.
Outside Germany, Article 13 of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive sets the framework and national law applies. See our EU country pages.
As of November 2026. General information, not legal advice. The wording of the law is what counts.
Our service
What we take care of.
Site survey
We record luminaires, drivers, mounting heights and usage. A photo of the rating plate is enough for a first assessment.
Planning in 3D
Sensora shows you your building and the lighting control before a single sensor is installed.
Learn moreInstallation during operation
Usually by us, or by your own electrical contractor if you prefer. No new control cables.
Learn moreMonitoring included
Occupancy and consumption per zone in the AU-Manager, with handover to the building management system.
Learn moreControl via app
You set groups, base light and hold times yourself, whenever you like.
Learn moreMaintenance contract
If you wish, we also look after day-to-day operation via remote maintenance.
Learn moreBy application
GModG lighting for your building.
Logistics and warehouses
Racking aisles as separate zones, forklift traffic, long operating hours.
Learn moreIndustry and production
Shift work, high ceilings, harsh environments.
Learn moreOffices and administration
Light per work area, occupancy data for space planning.
Learn moreRetail and branches
Sales floor, back-of-house areas and comparing sites.
Learn moreSensors
Which sensor suits which height and which room.
Learn moreLuminaire control
A sensor on the luminaire instead of central control.
Learn moreComparing providers
What to look for when choosing
GModG lighting control is offered by luminaire manufacturers, system providers and electrical contractors. These questions help you compare them:
- Do the luminaires have to be replaced? Keeping working LED luminaires saves costs and material.
- Are new cables needed? Wireless Bluetooth mesh avoids opened ceilings and downtime.
- Is monitoring included? Without consumption data, savings can't be proven.
- Are the interfaces open? BACnet/IP or an API keep the connection to the building management system open.
- Who looks after the system afterwards? Clarify who changes settings and replaces faulty devices.
The legal background is covered on our page about the Building Modernisation Act.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about GModG lighting
Do I have to replace my lighting because of the GModG?
No. § 56 GModG requires automatic control, not new luminaires. Existing LED luminaires with a dimmable 0-10 V or DALI driver can usually be retrofitted. The guide Reading the LED driver label shows how to check.
Does the lighting count towards the 70 kW?
No. The trigger is a heating, air-conditioning or combined ventilation system above 70 kW. If such a system exists, however, the lighting is part of the obligation.
Is there a fine for the lighting?
The fine under § 108 relates to building automation under § 56 (1), not to the lighting under (6). The obligation still applies, and the control reduces electricity use from the first day of operation, so waiting has no advantage.
Is the retrofit eligible for funding?
Lighting has no longer been a separate measure under Germany's BEG funding since 21 July 2026. Lighting control can, however, be part of a building automation package of class B or above, which is funded at 15%. This is not funding advice.
Do you work across Germany?
Yes. We are based in Leipzig and work throughout Germany. We carry out the site survey ourselves.
Free initial consultation
Have your building checked.
Send us a photo of the driver's rating plate or your floor plan. We'll tell you what needs doing in your case.