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KNX Renovation in Europe: What the 2026 EPBD Means for Smart Building Projects

What does the 2026 EPBD milestone mean for KNX renovation projects in Europe? Review existing wiring, ETS files, HVAC interfaces, actuators and product documentation before selecting new building controls.
Published

August 8, 2026

By
DVG ET
KNX renovation in Europe for smart building projects under the 2026 EPBD
ARTICLE SUMMARY

Key Takeaways

Review the main project decisions and selection considerations before exploring the full article.

  • The revised EPBD does not require KNX, but it increases the importance of efficient, integrated and maintainable building-control systems.
  • Before replacing room controls, project teams should review the existing KNX bus, actuators, HVAC interfaces, mounting conditions and ETS project files.
  • Wall controls, thermostats, actuators and gateways should be selected as parts of one coordinated building-control system rather than as isolated products.
  • Model-level documentation, ETS resources and future replacement availability should be reviewed before procurement for renovation projects.
EUROPE · KNX RENOVATION

KNX Renovation in Europe: What Project Teams Should Review

KNX renovation in Europe is increasingly shaped by energy performance, system integration and long-term building operation. Replacing a wall control is therefore rarely an isolated product decision. Existing infrastructure, HVAC interfaces, control equipment and engineering documentation all need to be reviewed together.

The 2026 EPBD Context

The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive entered into force on 28 May 2024, and 29 May 2026 was the general deadline for EU Member States to transpose the revised directive into national law.

Buildings account for around 40% of EU energy consumption, while around 75% of EU buildings have poor energy performance. The EPBD does not require KNX, but the wider focus on efficient and maintainable buildings increases the importance of coordinated building-control systems.

KNX can integrate lighting, HVAC, shading, sensors, actuators and gateways, while ETS provides a structured environment for commissioning, modification and future maintenance.

Renovation Scope

Existing KNX bus and power wiring

Wall boxes and installation depth

Existing actuators and cabinet space

HVAC and blind interfaces

ETS project files and device data

Gateway and protocol requirements

Model-level technical documentation

Future replacement availability

Procurement Checklist

What to Check Before Selecting KNX Products for Renovation

Existing Infrastructure

Review the KNX bus, power wiring, wall boxes, installation depth,
distribution-board space and existing actuators before selecting
replacement controls.

System Interfaces

Identify how lighting, HVAC, blinds, sensors and gateways are currently
connected. A new wall panel may require changes elsewhere in the system
if the existing interfaces are not compatible with the proposed design.

Engineering & ETS Resources

Confirm that the existing ETS project file, device data, wiring
information and system documentation are available before modifying
group addresses, replacing devices or extending the KNX installation.

Long-Term Procurement

Review electrical specifications, ETS application data, installation
instructions, applicable market documentation, model availability and
future replacement options before placing the order. For regulatory
context, project teams can also review the
European Commission’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive guidance.

RELATED KNX SOLUTIONS

Products to Review as Part of the Complete KNX System

Renovation projects should evaluate room controls and distribution-board devices together. These DERVIRGA product ranges cover three key parts of a coordinated KNX installation.

Explore KNX Switch Actuators

PROJECT TECHNICAL REVIEW

Prepare the Existing System Before Selecting New KNX Devices
Discuss Your KNX Project
Send Project Specifications
KNX RENOVATION FAQ

Common Questions About KNX Renovation in Europe

These questions address the main regulatory, technical and procurement points project teams should understand before upgrading an existing KNX installation.

01 Does the EPBD require buildings to use KNX?

No. The EPBD does not require KNX. KNX is one professional building-automation option that can support integrated control, energy-related operating strategies and long-term system maintenance.

02 Is KNX suitable for building renovation projects?

Yes, but the existing installation should be reviewed first. The KNX bus, power wiring, actuators, wall boxes, HVAC interfaces, ETS files and wider system architecture can all affect the replacement or expansion strategy.

03 Why is the ETS project file important during renovation?

The ETS project contains device configuration, communication objects, group addresses and other commissioning information. Access to the existing project can make system modification, device replacement and future maintenance significantly more manageable.

04 What should distributors check before ordering KNX products for a renovation project?

Review model-specific electrical specifications, ETS resources, wiring and installation documents, applicable market documentation, required interfaces, model availability and future replacement options before procurement.

ARTICLE CONTEXT

Where This Guide Fits

Use the article context below to explore related KNX technology, project-selection and European smart building content.

GUIDE CLASSIFICATION

KNX Renovation & European Smart Building Projects

Primary Topic
KNX & Smart Building Technology
Audience
Electrical Distributors & Importers, MEP & Project Contractors, System Integrators & KNX Partners
Region
Europe
Article Type
Technical Guide
KNX RENOVATION PROJECTS

Planning a KNX Renovation or System Upgrade in Europe?

Discuss your building-control requirements with DERVIRGA and review suitable KNX wall controls, thermostats, actuators and integration products for your renovation or system expansion.
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