What is it?
 A BER is an objective scale of comparison for the energy performance of a building ranging from A1 to G. It is rather like the the A to G rating for a household electrical appliance like your fridge. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and G the least efficient.
For anyone selling or leasing a new home from 1st July 2008 a BER certificate will be compulsory. If you are buying or renting a new house or apartment now, you may already be entitled to a BER - so do ask the seller/landlord or their agent for it.
How is a Building Energy Rating Calculated?
A BER is based on the characteristics of major components of the
dwelling (wall, roof and floor dimensions, window and door sizes and
orientations) as well as the construction type and levels of insulation,
ventilation and air tightness features, the systems for heat supply
(including renewable energy), distribution and control, and the type of
lighting. It covers annual energy use for space heating, water heating,
ventilation, lighting and associated pumps and fans, calculated on
the basis of a notional standard family with a standard pattern of
occupancy.
The energy performance is expressed as:
(a) primary energy use per unit floor area per year (kWh/m2/yr)
represented on an A to G scale; and
(b) associated Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions in kgCO2/m2/yr;
A BER is only an indication of the energy performance of a house.
Actual energy usage will depend on how the occupants operate the
house. In that way it is similar to the concept of a fuel economy (miles
per gallon or litres per 100 km) rating for a car.
A BER does not cover electricity used for purposes other than
heating, lighting, pumps and fans, i.e. does not include for cooking,
refrigeration, laundry etc.
What are the Benifits of a BER?
 A BER makes the energy performance of a home visible to prospective
buyers and tenants and enables them to take energy performance
into consideration in their next house purchase or rental decision.
Who is entitled to a BER?
A seller must provide a BER to prospective buyers or tenants when a
home is constructed, sold or rented under the following circumstances:
- New homes where planning permission was applied for on or after
1st January 2007;
- All homes for sale or rent on or after 1st January 2009.
There are exemptions for certain categories of buildings, e.g. protected
structures and certain temporary building (Ref. S.I. No. 666 of 2006).
There are fines of up to €5,000 for non-compliance with the regulations.
How to Order a BER Assesment?
To order a BER assesment please contact us and we will make an appointment for a date and time that is convenient for you
Click here to contact us. |
