National documents define under which conditions the two methods are to be applied. The choice of method depends on several aspects. First the purpose of the assessment should be considered, as it influences the level of detail required. The type and complexity of the building and its technical system are also relevant parameters. In general, the holistic approach is applied for complex systems and when a high level of detail is required.
More information: CENSE Information Paper P095 which can also be downloaded from the BUILD UP Portal.

Question submitted by: Dick van Dijk (TNO, The Netherlands)
Anwered by: Anna Staudt and Hans Erhorn, Fraunhofer Institute of Building Physics (Germany)
Date: 2008/02/04