The OIB is a performance-based code that requires a mandatory energy frame calculation to establish the expected primary energy consumption of residential and non-residential building as well as existing buildings undergoing renovation (25-38% higher than new builds). The allowable primary energy frame depends on the type of building and the ventilation system used (stricter requirement for ventilation systems using heat recovery). The code addresses thermal envelope requirements and energy using systems in the calculation, including, HVAC, hot water, lighting and bio-climatic design.

Austria has had prescriptive energy efficiency requirements for buildings within each of the 9 regions (Lander) since the 1970’s. The first nationwide performance-based code was introduced in 2006, to be individually implemented by each of the Lander. The latest 2011 code and supporting policies encompass many dynamic aspects including, air-tightness testing, thermal bridging considerations, well-established EPC programs and incentive schemes, voluntary low energy classes and the implementation of Passive House standards by 2015 for residential buildings.

Full Title of Code

OIB - Richtlinie 6

Year of Adoption

2011

Date of Enforcement

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Authority in Charge

OIB (Austrian Institute of Construction Engineering) with the nine federal Länder and the Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth.

Link

http://www.oib.or.at/RL6_061011.pdf

Link to Relevant Web Page

http://www.oib.or.at/

Geographical Coverage

Austria

Code set at:

National Level

Coverage of Building Code:

• Residential buildings
  • One family
  • Multiple family buildings
• Commercial buildings
  • Offices
  • Retail and wholesale
  • Hotels
  • Hospitals
  • Educational buildings
• Public buildings
  • Offices
  • Hospitals
  • Educational buildings

GBPN Climate Classification:

• Heating Based

Type of Building Code:

• Model code, frame or actual code:
  National Code
• Performance Codes for Refurbishments:
  The OIB is a performance-based code that requires a mandatory energy frame calculation to establish the expected primary energy consumption of residential and non-residential existing buildings undergoing renovation (25-38% higher than new builds).
• Performance Codes for New Builds:
  The OIB is a performance-based code that requires a mandatory energy frame calculation to establish the expected primary energy consumption of residential and non-residential building as well as existing buildings undergoing renovation (25-38% higher than new builds).
• Energy Declaration

Basis for Energy Requirements:

• Overall performance frame
• Primary Energy

Energy Uses and Functions Covered by the Code:

• Heating
• Cooling
• Ventilation
• Airtightness
• Thermal bridging
• Hot water
• Building parts (lifts, pumps etc)
• Lighting
• Appliances
• Design, position & orientation of building
• Heat recovery
• Passive solar
• Passive cooling
• Natural ventilation
• Solar protection
• Daylighting requirements
• Renewable Energy (solar, PV, others):
  When constructing new buildings with a net floor area of more than 1000 m2, alternative systems are used, unless this is technically, environmentally and economically efficient. Alternative systems are a) energy supply systems based on renewable energy sources, b) combined heat and power plants, c) district and refrigeration, d) heat pumps and e) fuel cells.

Enforcement Status of Code:

Mandatory

Type of Enforcement:

• Local enforcement
• Third party inspection
• Central enforcement
• Accreditation of applicants

On-site Inspections Occur

• During construction
• Post completion

Certification to Support Enforcement of Code:

• Energy Performance Certificate support BC
• Positive labeling for building beyond the minimum BC level
• Energy Offsets/Green Certificates
• Inspection of boilers
• Inspection of HVAC systems

Penalties for Non-compliance:

• Refusal of permission to occupy
• Refusal of permission to construct

Measures Supporting Enforcement:

• Commissioning requirements
• Training of Inspectors

General Process in Setting Requirements:

• Stakeholders are informed of future targets far in advance

Zero Energy Targets:

• Definition of nZEB/ZEB/Plus Energy etc:
  Annual heating energy consumption below 60-40 KWh/m2 gross area (30 % above standard performance) or Passive building = Feist passive house standard (15 kWh/m2 per useful area (Styria) and per heated area)
• All end uses are included
• There is not a realistic roadmap in place:
  Not known at this stage.
• National Target date for nZEB:
  2018 public buildings, 2020 all other buildings.

Number of Earlier Codes

5

Current Defined Levels beyond Minimum Standard (present code)

30

Supporting Certification Schemes

http://www.oesterreichhaus.at/en

Codes Free to Access?

Yes
http://www.oib.or.at/RL6_061011.pdf