Einfluss von Erntefaktor und Dämmindex auf die aus gesamtenergetischer Sicht maximal sinnvolle Dämmdicke

How energy returned on energy invested and insulation index affect the maximum insulation thickness justified from an overall energy perspective.

The current debate about the 'right' thickness for insulation on opaque elements of the building's thermal envelope involves various players on the market, with various agendas. Since Germany introduced the first Thermal Insulation Ordinance (WSVO) and since the Federal Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV), there have been either direct or indirect definitions and requirements for this thickness. Yet if we look at the long-term scenarios for our building stock to 2050, it soon becomes apparent that we are reaching the upper limits of insulation thickness in terms of what is worthwhile. A more precise look is therefore required into the question of using thicker insulation. This will also understandably be of fundamental interest to architects concerned with conserving historic façades. The approach we applied was arithmetical, to determine the maximum thickness of insulation that is justifiable given the overall energy used, and therefore weigh up the energy benefits of insulation.