What is BER (Building Energy Rating)?

Put simply it is a label indicating the Energy Rating of a house or building. It is clearly shown in different "bands"... A1 being the best and most efficient through to G being the least efficient. The calculation includes building fabric, ventilation, space and water heating, and lighting. These values coupled with measurements taken from the drawings of the property culminate in the achievement of an energy label.

The scheme is a requirement EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and since January 1 2009 a BER certificate is legally required by anyone selling or renting a property in all EU countries. This cert is then valid for 10 years provided that no substantive work is carried out on the property in the mean time in which case a new cert should be issued.

The BER will offer tangible benefits to the prospective occupier of the building, whether residential or commercial, by allowing them to compare the performance of different buildings on a common and consistent basis.

An advisory report will accompany each BER cert providing information on a range of actions which can be taken to improve the energy efficiency of the property. These actions are not mandatory and can be carried out at the discretion of the owner.

BER Certificate

This new legislation was phased into Ireland as follows...

1 January 2007 (New Dwellings)
1 July 2008 (All new buildings i.e. commercial)
1 January 2009 (All existing buildings i.e. older houses)

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has been designated as the issuing authority with responsibility for the registration of BER assessors, logging of BER assessments and the overall administration of the BER scheme.

Factors influencing your Assessment:

Size of Building
Construction Materials
Insulation within Walls
Insulation within Roof
External Doors and Windows
Current Ventilation Systems
Current Heating System
Fuels used to heat home & water
Alternative Energy Technology in place

For further information please contact Walsh Energy Consultants today