Overview
CEN ISO/TR 52019-2:2017 - “Energy performance of buildings - Hygrothermal performance of building components and building elements - Part 2: Explanation and justification” - is an informative technical report that explains and justifies the calculation methods given in the related hygrothermal standards. It supports correct interpretation and practical application of the core standards ISO 6946, ISO 10211, ISO 13370, ISO 13786, ISO 13789 and ISO 14683. This document is informative (non‑normative) and is intended to clarify assumptions, boundary conditions and modelling choices used when assessing hygrothermal and thermal performance of building components.
Key topics
- Purpose and scope: Clarifies how the referenced standards fit within the EPB (Energy Performance of Buildings) framework and European policy context (EPBD, Mandate M/480).
- Description of methods and outputs: Explains expected outputs, symbols, subscripts and general modelling approaches used across the related standards.
- Thermal properties of ground & ground effects: Guidance on ground thermal properties, influence of flowing groundwater and slab‑on‑ground conditions (relevant to ISO 13370).
- Dynamic simulation and embedded systems: Notes on applying methods to dynamic simulation programs and systems with embedded heating/cooling.
- Thermal bridges and linear thermal transmittance: Explanation and worked example guidance for calculating linear thermal transmittance (relevant to ISO 14683 and ISO 6946).
- Heat transfer coefficients and ventilation: Information to support ISO 13789 on heat transfer coefficient calculations and typical ventilation airflow considerations.
- Worked examples and computer programming guidance: Multiple annexes provide worked examples, worked through calculations and programming notes for ISO 13786 and others.
Applications
CEN ISO/TR 52019-2:2017 is useful for:
- Architects, building engineers and designers applying hygrothermal performance checks during design.
- Energy assessors and consultants performing building energy performance calculations and thermal bridge assessments.
- Software developers and researchers implementing or validating dynamic simulation and calculation tools.
- Regulators and certification bodies seeking consistent interpretation of EPB‑related standards.
- Manufacturers of building components who need to understand how products are evaluated in hygrothermal and thermal transmittance calculations.
Related standards
This Technical Report directly supports:
- ISO 6946 (building component thermal transmittance)
- ISO 10211 (thermal bridges)
- ISO 13370 (heat transfer via the ground)
- ISO 13786 (dynamic thermal characteristics)
- ISO 13789 (heat transfer coefficient and energy needs)
- ISO 14683 (linear thermal transmittance defaults)
By combining clarification, worked examples and programming guidance, CEN ISO/TR 52019-2:2017 helps ensure consistent, transparent application of hygrothermal and thermal performance methods for buildings. Keywords: hygrothermal performance, thermal transmittance, thermal bridges, ISO 13370, ISO 6946, energy performance of buildings, EPBD.
