Glossary

BAFA stands for “Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control” and is a German federal authority. The BAFA is responsible for implementing various economic and foreign trade policy measures on behalf of the Federal Government. ( https://www.bafa.de/DE/Home/home_node.html ) Applications for funding for energy-efficiency refurbishments are submitted to the BAFA by energy advisers.

The Federal Energy Act (BEG) is a German law that sets out the legal framework for energy supply and the expansion of renewable energy in Germany. The BEG came into force on 1 July 2021, replacing the previous Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), the Combined Heat and Power Act (KWKG) and the Act on the Priority of Renewable Energies (EEV).

Bituminous membranes are flat, flexible building materials used to waterproof buildings and other structures. In the construction sector, they are used on flat roofs or gently sloping roofs.

In architecture and construction, concealed rafters are a special type of rafter or structural beam. Unlike conventional rafters, which are visible and support the roof covering, concealed rafters are not visible as they are hidden beneath the roof covering or ceiling cladding.

Insulation materials are classified into building material classes A and B. Insulation materials in categories ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ are non-combustible (usually mineral-based), whilst those in building material classes ‘B1’ and ‘B2’ are organic and combustible. Insulation materials in building material class B3 must not be used.

Apparent density, also known as density or mass density, is a physical quantity that describes the ratio of a substance’s mass to its volume. It is often measured in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m³) or grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm³).