Abstract: An element (2) is presented, in particular a plate-like element, for the thermal insulation of a building, which element is provided for attachment to an exterior wall (1) of a building on the outside. The element (2) thereby has ducts (3), which can be used as ventilation ducts. The ducts (3) are surrounded by the element (3) on all sides apart from in edge areas. The element (2) is characterized in that the ducts (3) extend in individual areas of the element (2) to an edge of the element (2) such that when the element (2) is attached to the exterior wall (1) at desired locations connections (4) of the ducts to the exterior wall (1) are formed, through which air can flow into the building or can be guided out of the building.