Building Energy Rating, or BER, is the label applied to a building that demonstrates the energy efficiency of the building. A BER certificate is similar to the energy rating found on home appliances. As with the rating on appliances, a BER certificate uses a colour-coded scale from A to G with A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient.
There are two types of BER assessment - one for New Buildings and one for Existing Buildings. For new buildings, the assessment can be completed using information from the building's plans.
In the case of existing buildings, a non-invasive site survey is required. The assessor will gather all necessary information while on site (including dimensions of rooms and windows, details of lighting and heating systems, insulation properties of the building, etc.). This information is then entered into DEAP (Sustainable Energy Ireland's software for BER assessments) where the appropriate calculations are then carried out. A typical assessment may take between 1 and 2 hours on site followed by approximately 3 hours further processing of data.
In each case (new/existing building), the assessor registers the building's rating with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). SEI then publishes it on the National BER Directory and issues to the property owner a BER certificate for the property. A BER certificate is valid for 10 years assuming there is no material change to the building that would affect it's energy performance. The assessor will also provide an advisory report to the property owner which contains information on how the property's energy rating may be improved.
Put simply, there are two scenarios in which a BER certificate is legally required. These are:
1.) If you are selling a property (new or second hand)
2.) If you are letting a property (or renewing a lease)
Additionally, some people may wish to have an assessment carried out in order to identify ways in which they may improve the energy efficiency of their home.
The BER Scheme was established under the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 666 of 2006). Sustainable Energy Ireland is the body overseeing the scheme. Building Energy Rating has been required for existing buildings only since 1st January 2009. However, a BER certificate has been required for new buildings for which planning permission was applied for on or after 1st January 2007 in the case of domestic buildings and 1st July 2008 for non-domestic buildings. Public bodies occupying a building are, from 1st January 2008, required to display a BER certificate in a prominent location at the front of the building. The legislation has put in place fines of up to €5,000 for non-compliance.
