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ECO ENGINEERING - BER Assessment Details
What is a BER?
A BER (Building Energy Rating) is standard calculation of the energy performance of a building, produced by a qualified assessor using procedures including calculation method and software approved by SEI and including a survey of the building where required by direction of SEI. It is rather like the mpg or l/km rating for a motorcar or the A to G rating for a household electrical appliance.
What is the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD)?
This Government directive came into force in Ireland in 2007 to aid our compliance with the Kyoto agreement and the EU legislation. Of particular relevance to us are the regulations to improve the energy performance of buildings. They aim to reduce the use of fossil fuels and increase the retention of heat provided to the occupier in turn reducing the release of greenhouse gases. It will be necessary to measure the energy efficiency for all buildings so that the energy efficiency can be promoted and monitored.
Why is there a need for Building Energy Rating (BER)?
Building Energy Rating (BER) is a requirement of the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (2002/91/EC of 16 December 2002), which has now been transposed in Ireland by the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 666 of 2006)
The building owner is required to provide the BER to prospective buyers and tenants. BER will, therefore, make the energy performance characteristics of the building transparent to prospective buyers and tenants. As a result, buyers and tenants will be able, for the first time, to take energy performance into consideration in their decision to purchase or rent a building
What are the BER implementation dates in Ireland?
The requirement to provide a BER is being introduced on a phased basis as follows:
New dwellings:
Dwellings which planning permission applied for on or after 1st January 2007 will require BER certification.
Transitional BER exemptions for dwellings which planning applied for on or before 31st December 2006. These buildings will have to be substantially completed on or before 30th June 2008
New Non-Domestic Buildings:
The regulations apply to new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission is applied for on or after 1st July 2008.
Transitional BER exemptions will apply to new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission is applied on or before 30th June 2008 provided the new non-domestic buildings involved are substantially completed by 30th June 2010.
Existing Buildings: (dwellings and other buildings) when offered for sale or rental on or after 1st January 2009 will require a BER certification
What is involved in a BER assessment for a New Build?
Size of the dwelling
Construction Materials used in the Building
Thermal insulation levels used in the walls, roof, floors, doors and windows
Ventilation systems used in the dwelling
Efficiency, responsiveness and controls of the heating system
The fuel used to provide space and water heating
Renewable and alternative energy
What factors may affect the BER of a dwelling?
A BER is calculated using the Dwellings Energy Assessment software (DEAP) and is based on the following data:
Dimensions of dwelling
Orientation of dwelling
Materials used for construction
Size of the living room area
Number of Storeys
Ventilation air leakage characteristics (e.g. chimneys, flues, fans, air leakage testing)
Types of ventilation (e.g. natural mechanical, heat recovery)
Thermal insulation of elements of building fabric (i.e. U-values of floor, walls, roof, windows and doors)
Efficiency of main space heating system (%)
Primary fuel/Heating system (e.g. gas, oil, wood pellet, etc.)
Efficiency of secondary system (%)
Heating system controls (e.g. thermostats, type of programmer, zone controls, thermostatic radiator valves, separation of domestic hot water and space heating)
Efficiency of water heater (%)
Hot water storage insulation (i.e. type and thickness)
Hot water controls
% of low energy lights
Solar gains through glazed openings of the dwelling
Thermal storage (mass) capacity of the dwelling
What will happen if I do not obtain a BER for my dwelling as required by law?
If you do not comply with a BER requirement you will be liable, on conviction in the District Court, to a maximum fine of €5,000. Failure to secure a BER certificate at the proper time could hinder or delay the legal completion of a sale or letting or a future disposal of the relevant dwelling.
How long will a BER remain valid?
A BER for a building will be valid for 10 years from the date of issue, unless there is a material change in the building in the meantime which could affect its energy performance – for example an extension to the building, a significant change to the building fabric or a change in the heating system or fuel used. Therefore if a property which has received a BER is placed on the market within 10 years of that BER being issued, and the property has experienced no relevant alteration in the meantime, then that same BER may be used by the building owner for the purposes of meeting their obligations under the Regulations
What does the BER Certificate look like?
My home doesn’t need a rating but can I get one done anyway?
Yes, you can have a BER calculation done for your dwelling but the result will not be registered on the national database and therefore you will not get an official BER Certificate for your dwelling.
However, if you wish to improve the energy performance and obtain a pre-certification assessment to reduce your heating bills and increase the value of your property, getting a BER assessment and report is the first step.
Who can carry out the BER assessment?
Assessments can only be carried out by BER assessors registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). BER assessors must have successfully completed a validated training programme that meets the requirement of the Training Specification as set out by SEI. BER assessors must also meet any other requirements set by SEI, including the signing of the Code of Conduct.
It is an offence for persons not registered with SEI as BER assessors to carry out a BER assessment service.
What is the Cost of a BER certificate?
Cost of a BER certificate from ECO Engineering is €....
What is the advantage of achieving an A rated property?
The energy bills to provide lighting, space and water heating etc to a property with a Building Energy Rating of A1 would be practically zero. Similarly the CO2 emissions from a rating of A1 would be practically zero.
The closer the rating is to A1, the more energy efficient your property will be while also enhancing the value of your property. You will future-proof against increasing energy prices and also protecting the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
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