Efficiency House Stages (Effizienzhaus levels)

Definition

The Efficiency House stages are the central classification system of the KfW funding programmes for renovation (KfW 261) and new construction (KfW 297/298). The number expresses the percentage of primary energy demand compared to a reference building defined by the Buildings Energy Act (GEG). An Effizienzhaus 85 therefore consumes 85 percent of the reference building's primary energy and is thus 15 percent better. An Effizienzhaus 40 reaches 40 percent and is 60 percent better. In addition to the pure energy indicator, requirements on the transmission heat loss of the envelope must be met. Additional qualifications increase the repayment subsidy (Tilgungszuschuss): the renewable energy class (EE) requires at least 65 percent of the heat demand to be covered by renewable energy. The sustainability class (NH) additionally requires the QNG seal. The higher the standard, the higher the repayment subsidy on the KfW loan.

When is the term used?

In the renovation market, Effizienzhaus 85, 70 and 55 are the most common target stages. Effizienzhaus 40 is demanding in existing buildings and only achievable with a comprehensive bundle of measures. The target stage is defined during the energy consultation based on existing substance, renovation budget and funding levers. Important: the Efficiency House calculation must be carried out by an energy efficiency expert (EEE) listed in the dena expert register for federal funding. The calculations are submitted as a Bestätigung zum Antrag (BzA — confirmation for the application) during the KfW process.

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