Building Codes - Minimum thermal standards for buildings

Minimum thermal standards for buildings are defined in the Technical Construction Regulations of the Federal Provinces by way of U-values (=k-values) for different construction components although most Federal Provinces opened the possibility for a more flexible approach by defining certain energy demand codes for the whole building (per square metre). The definition of technical construction regulations above the standards defined in the 15a-Agreement on Energy Savings of 1995 on the basis of Article 15a of the Federal Constitution Act between the federation and the nine provinces are within the competence of the Federal Provinces. Almost all Federal Provinces have improved U-values over the past years and in some cases have also gone well beyond minimum standards set in the 15a-Agreement.