scope:

This standard is applicable to the use of characteristic energy and water consumption values for buildings supplied with heating energy, electrical energy and water, and particularly to the comparison of characteristic consumption values of individual buildings with the averages and reference values given in this standard. The latter are based for the most part on consumption measurements from the years 2004 and 2005, taken within the Federal Republic of Germany in buildings equipped with conventional systems. When comparing characteristic energy and water consumption values of buildings in other countries with averages and reference values of this standard, the boundary conditions prevailing in those countries (thermal insulation standards, climate, common conditions of use) must be taken into account.

Where own reference characteristic values are to be determined for special analyses, the procedures described in VDI 3807 Part 1 should be used. If the reference areas used or the outdoor-temperature correction method deviate from said standard, this shall be marked accordingly.

Where special technologies are used, such as own power generation by means of combined heat and power stations or cold generation using absorption chillers, the amounts of final energy purchased from the energy supplier will deviate from the consumption data that are to be used for the calculation of characteristic electrical-energy and heating-energy consumption values. Procedures for the corrections that may be required in this case are described in the standards VDI 3807 Part 3 to Part 5.