ISO 52018-1:2017

Overview

ISO 52018-1:2017 - "Energy performance of buildings - Indicators for partial EPB requirements related to thermal energy balance and fabric features - Part 1: Overview of options" - provides a structured, practical framework for using EPB (energy performance of buildings) indicators as partial requirements focused on a building’s thermal balance and fabric features. It defines the options, reporting templates and default choices to help regulators, designers and other stakeholders convert EPB assessment outputs into clear requirements or policy measures without prescribing the underlying calculation methods.

Key topics and technical scope

ISO 52018-1:2017 covers the selection, reporting and post‑processing of EPB indicators related to:

• Thermal energy balance (heating and cooling needs; free-floating indoor temperatures and overheating risk)
• Thermal envelope and fabric features, including overall and element-level insulation, thermal bridges, windows, airtightness and solar control
• Thermal comfort in summer and winter (free-floating conditions)
• Energy needs for heating and cooling and possible indicator variants
• Quality control and compliance checks for partial EPB requirements
• Standardized reporting via Annex A (normative template) and Annex B (informative default choices)
• Regional adaptation and references (Annex C)

Note: ISO 52018-1 does not set calculation or measurement methods itself - it refers to other EPB standards (e.g., ISO 52000‑1 series) and to ISO/TR 52018‑2 for technical background.

Practical applications and users

ISO 52018-1 is designed for practical use by:

• Regulators and policymakers: to define mandatory or optional partial EPB requirements and prepare national/regional data sheets or annexes
• Architects and building engineers: to interpret EPB outputs and design to specific partial requirements (envelope, comfort, overheating mitigation)
• Building owners, certifiers and energy assessors: to document compliance, perform post‑processing of EPB results and support decision making
• Consultants and planners: to compare indicator options and adopt default choices or national adaptations

Practical uses include setting performance limits for overheating risk, specifying envelope U‑values and airtightness targets, creating harmonized reporting templates, and supporting compliance checks in building regulation.

Related standards

• ISO 52000‑1 (modular EPB framework)
• ISO 52003‑1 / ISO 52003‑2 (post‑processing, requirements, ratings and certificates)
• ISO/TR 52018‑2 (technical report providing detailed background and guidance)
• Other parts of the ISO 52018 series (for detailed element performance methods)

Keywords: ISO 52018-1:2017, energy performance of buildings, EPB indicators, thermal energy balance, fabric features, thermal envelope, overheating, airtightness, building regulation.