What is a Building Energy Rating (B.E.R.)?
A Building Energy Rating (B.E.R.) is a standard calculation of the energy performance of a building, produced by a qualified assessor using procedures including calculation method and software approved by S.E.I. and including a survey of the building where required by direction of S.E.I.
What does a B.E.R. certificate look like?
The B.E.R. cert looks similar to an energy rating label that comes with new household electrical goods. It has a scale that ranges from A1 (most efficient) down to G (least efficient).
Click to enlarge cert
Who pays for the B.E.R. certificate?
New Dwellings:
If it's a B.E.R. cert for a new dwelling, the cost is borne by the builder/owner, which include persons building a new dwelling for themselves (self-build) or a developer selling off the plans (whether an individual, a local authority or other housing provider).
Existing Dwellings:
If it's a B.E.R. cert for an existing dwelling the cost is borne by the present owner of the building (whenther owner occupied or not)
How long does a B.E.R. certificate last for?
A B.E.R. cert is valid for a period of 10 years from date of issue. If there is modification to the fabric of the building (i.e. extension, new windows, etc.) or a change in the heating system within the lifetime of the B.E.R. cert, then there would be a requirement to obtain a new cert (if the dwelling was to be sold or for letting).
What building categories are exempt from BER?
The following building categories are exempt from BER :
1. National monuments;
2. Protected structures;
3. Places of worship or buildings used for the religious activities of any religion;
4. Certain temporary buildings;
5. Non-residential industrial or agricultural buildings with a low installed heating capacity (less than 10 W/m2);
6. Stand alone buildings with a small useful floor area (less than 50m2).
Who can carry out the BER Assessment?
Assessments can only be carried out by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) registered BER assessors.
BER assessors must have successfully completed a validated training programme that meets the requirement of the Training Specification as set out by SEI.
A BER assessor must also meet any other requirements set by SEI, including the signing of the Code of Conduct.
What about dwellings offered for sale off of the plans?
Where a dwelling is being offered for sale off the plans, there is an obligation on the seller to furnish the buyer with a provisional BER certificate.
A provisional BER certificate is based on pre construction plans and lasts for a maximum period of 2 years from date of issue.
What are the benefits of obtaining a BER?
Buildings have been identified as one of the largest users of energy in the EU, representing 40% of total energy consumption.
Ultimately, the EU directive on the energy performance of buildings aims to reduce the demands on the world’s rapidly diminishing stocks of fossil fuels.
A BER enables owners to accurately gauge the energy performance of their building and to make the appropriate adjustments if necessary to improve this performance.
At the same time, it allows potential buyers or tenants to assess the annual running costs of the building. A factor which is becoming increasingly important as energy costs rise.
