If you are looking for information on BER here are some facts which you may find useful!
BER, the Building Energy rating certification scheme
The BER is an indication of the energy performance and the sustainability of a particular building.
It is for all practical purposes very much similar to the energy label rating A to G normally
found in domestic
electrical appliances for example in your fridge or the dishwasher.
A rating of G signifies the least Energy Efficient Building
while a rating of A will signify the most Energy Efficient.
All in all, in BER you will find 15 sub energy performance levels
within the ratings A to G.
A BER certificate is now compulsory for almost all the new buildings or others now under construction
where planning permission
has been granted.
There are however a few exceptions for specific cases.
Irrespective of the class any building offered for sale or let on or after 1st January 2009 must process
a valid BER certification along
with its companion document,
the Advisory Report for production on
demand by the prospective customers or the authorities.
What is the basis of Assessment of Building Energy Assessment?
The assessment is done on the basis of the properties of components of a particular building such as the walls,
roof, floor area, windows, doors, insulation, air tightness, heating and cooling system, ventilation, lighting systems
and its distribution and controls, pumps and fans, use of alternative energy etc. but exclude refrigerators, cooking appliances and washing machines.
Who carries out the Assessment?
Registered BER assessors who have been trained under the National Frame work of Qualifications are authorized to carry
out the Assessments and log in the records with the Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI).
The assessors may use approved software and suitable tools for the purpose of carrying out the assessment.
In addition to the approved qualifications the assessors also have to duly put their signature to a Code of Conduct with SEI.
In order to maintain the integrity of the scheme SEI also maintain a quality assurance program with the assessors.
It’s an offence punishable by law for anyone who does not process a valid registration with SEI to carry out a BER assessment
for the purpose of complying with the regulations.
Who is authorized to Issue the BER?
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is the designated Issuing Authority and is required to maintain a digital registry of the BER
assessments logged in with them by the assessors.
SEI is also the Management Authority for the BER Scheme. In that capacity they also register the BER assessors
and also maintain a list for the benefit of the public.
What is the Time Framework for implementing the Scheme?
The regulations came in to operation with effect from 1st January 2007 with a few exceptions.
New Houses- If the planning permission was applied for after 1st January 2007
for such dwellings these regulations will apply. Those dwellings where the Building Permission was applied for on or
before 31st December 2006 BER exception may be granted subject to substantial completion has been carried out by the 30th June 2008
New Non Domestic Buildings- If the planning permission was applied for after 1st July 2008 for such buildings these regulations will apply.
Those dwellings where the Building Permission was applied for on or before 30th June 2008 BER exception may be granted subject
to substantial completion has been carried out by the 30th June 2010
Existing Buildings as at 1st January 2009-BER is compulsory for all classes of existing buildings offered for sale or rent on or after 1st January 2009.
Large Public Service Buildings- A public service building where the useful floor area is over 1000 sq.m. should prominently display the relevant BER certificate after the 1st January 2009.
Role of Alternative Energy in BER Certification
In the assessment of the Energy Performance of a building use of alternative energy is also taken into account.
It is compulsory on the person who commissions a large building to ensure the utilization of Alternative Energy in the design of such building as far as practically, environmentally and economically feasible.
Our BER Assessors
We employ Building Energy Rating (BER) assessors registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), who carry out
BER assessments on existing and new houses, single or in developments.
Our assessor will assess the dimensions, fabric, ventilation, water heating and lighting systems in your building.
This will then be used to calculate an energy rating for the house. Energy ratings go from A to G, A being the most
energy efficient and G being the least energy efficient.
Book a BER
To book a BER assessment please complete our BER booking form
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