Reference values

The baubook reference values primarily provide characteristic values for the calculation of energy and eco-ratios of building components and buildings and serve as orientation values for various product groups. The catalogue supports the calculation within the framework of the energy performance certificate and the OI3, especially in the early planning phase as well as in the existing building stock, when concrete products are not (yet) known. The baubook has set itself the goal of depicting reference values for all important product groups.

Building physics reference values

The building physics reference values are mainly taken from ONORM 8110-7 "Thermal insulation in buildings - Part 7: Tabulated thermal insulation design values". The design values of ONORM 8110-7 are adjusted in such a way that 90% of the products on the market also achieve this value. This alignment guarantees that, as a rule, the products actually used (e.g. within the scope of the EAW calculation) also achieve this value. The reference values thus enable a product-neutral and safe calculation within the framework of the housing subsidies of individual federal states or a building authority procedure (energy performance certificate). The data are only suitable to a limited extent for use in building physics reports.

Ecological reference values

The building ecology reference values provided on baubook are lists of life cycle assessment data for building materials and building processes. Together with the building physics data in baubook, the reference values are used for the calculation of energy or life cycle performance indicators of buildings, e.g. for the eco-index OI3 and the disposal indicator EI.

Currently, there are two reference value catalogues published on baubook, which the IBO issues and updates regularly:

Example baubook reference value

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Quick access

Tools

Use of the baubook reference values

Use reference values

You can view the reference values for all catalogues on the baubook main page in the ‘reference values’ tab. Authorised users can also download the reference values from the download area and use them to calculate the energy performance certificate. If you are not yet registered in baubook, you can register via the ‘Register’ link at the top right. Registration on baubook is free of charge.

Use baubook tools

We have developed specialised online tools on baubook to make the creation of life cycle assessments quick and easy. Life cycle assessments for entire buildings can be calculated with baubook eco2soft life cycle assessments for buildings and the amortisation and profitability calculator can be used to estimate the ecological and economic amortisation of insulation measures on building components. The baubook calculator for building components enables the compilation of building components using the data from baubook. The reference values are also available in authorised software programmes for the creation of energy performance certificates or Oekoindex OI3 calculations.

Terms of use

baubook GmbH accepts no liability whatsoever for the guideline and product characteristics provided. It is a list of information received and collected. The database therefore makes no claim to completeness or accuracy. Nor is baubook GmbH liable in the event that a subsidy is not granted or is cancelled due to incorrect manufacturer information. You can find more information on the terms of use in the General Terms and Conditions (GTC) of baubook GmbH.

Background information on the building ecology reference values

Principles of IBO reference values and methodological assumptions

The IBO reference values are based on manufacturer information and literature data. The building materials are analysed in stages up to the point of ‘product ex works’. This means that all upstream processes up to the product ready for delivery are taken into account. For each process step, material, transport and energy inputs, emissions to air, soil, water and waste must be determined. This so-called background data is based on ecoinvent 2.2. The life cycle assessments are modelled according to the requirements of EN 15804:2012+A1:2013. So far, IBO reference values have been established for more than 500 building materials, building services materials and construction processes.

Link to methodological assumptions for the IBO reference values (german only)

History of the IBO reference values

The IBO reference values were first developed as part of the project ‘Ecological Component Catalogue – Assessment of Common Constructions’ (publication 1999), in the course of which life cycle assessment data for building materials have been collected since 1994 and continuously updated ever since. As part of the ‘Passive House Component Catalogue’ study, the data for the IBO reference values 2012 were collected again. Methodically, the study was adapted to the newly published ÖNORM EN 15804. For the IBO reference values 2020, major methodological changes were again necessary because the new ÖNORM EN 15804+A1 was published in 2013.

Updates to the IBO reference values

The IBO reference values are periodically updated and expanded.

A ‘major update’ is carried out when the life cycle assessment method has changed, a new catalogue of building physics parameters has been published or the background database has been updated (e.g. IBO reference values 2012 and IBO reference values 2020).
A ‘small update’ with the revision of individual reference values is to take place once a year at the end of the year.

Corrections to the IBO reference values

1.7.2022 Correction of standard brick values

In the case of the IBO reference value 2020 for vertically perforated bricks, an error in the calculation of averages has led to increased life cycle assessment values. On 9 May, corrected reference values for bricks were uploaded by the IBO and the incorrect reference values were marked as ‘withdrawn’. On 1 July, the incorrect reference values were set to inactive.

The Table (german only) provides an overview of the old and new data sets.