Dämmstandard

Dämmstandard, literally insulation standard, is the level of thermal insulation of a building’s envelope and its overall energy performance. It describes how well external walls, roofs, floors and openings minimize heat losses and is commonly expressed through component U-values and the resulting annual heating demand per square metre (kWh/m²a). A higher Dämmstandard means lower energy use for heating and cooling.

Regulatory and market frameworks in Germany tie Dämmstandard to energy efficiency requirements for new buildings and for renovations. The Gebäudeenergiegesetz (GEG) governs the maximum energy demand of new buildings and requires an energy performance certificate (Energieausweis) for sales or lettings. Retrofitting can target improved Dämmstandard through measures such as exterior insulation, better windows and airtightness improvements.

Common benchmarks are Niedrigenergiehaus (low-energy house), KfW-Effizienzhaus classes (for example 55, 40) indicating the building’s energy demand relative to a reference building, and the Passivhaus (Passive House) standard, with very low heating demand (often below about 15 kWh/m²a) and strict airtightness criteria. Achieving these levels typically requires a combination of high-performance insulation, high-efficiency windows and well-sealed construction.

Material choices for Dämmstandard include mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, polyurethane foams and wood-based insulation, applied as wall or roof insulation or through external thermal insulation composite systems (WDVS). The chosen approach depends on climate, building type, costs and historic facades, with retrofits often aiming for a balanced combination of insulation, airtightness and thermal bridging reduction.