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Building Energy Rating

What is the Building Energy Rating?

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requires that when a building is constructed, sold or rented a Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER) effectively an energy label, will be required at the point of sale or rental of a building, or on completion of a new building. A BER which is similar to the rating on a household electrical appliance is an objective scale of comparison for the energy performance of a building. The BER is expressed in terms of kWh/m2/annum and is transposed graphically in terms of energy bands from A1 (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The BER must be accompanied by an advisory report and is valid for up to 10 years. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006 which were published by the Minister for Environment Heritage and Local Government as S.I. No. 666 of 2006. S.I. No 666 of 2006 and came into operation on 01st January 2007.

 

BER certificates are compulsory for the following buildings after the following dates

New dwellings for which planning is applied for after 01st January 2007

  • New non-domestic buildings for which planning permission is applied for after 01st July 2008
  • All existing buildings offered for sale or let after 01st January 2009. 

(There are exemptions for certain types of buildings, e.g. protected structures and certain temporary buildings (Ref. S.I. No 666 of 2006)).

 

Who carries out a BER assessment?

Registered BER assessors who have been trained under the National Framework of Qualifications and have been registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) carry out BER assessments. All registered assessors must adhere to the BER Assessors Code of Conduct. A list of registered BER assessors is available online at www.sei.ie/ber

 

How is BER calculated?

A BER is based on the major components of the building (wall, floor, roof dimensions, window and door sizes and orientations) as well as the construction type and levels of insulations, ventilations and air tightness features. Fuel types, the systems (including renewable energy) for heat and hot water supply, distribution and control are also considered, in addition to the type of lighting provided. BER covers annual energy use for space heating, water heating, ventilation, lighting and associated pumps and fans, calculated on the basis of a standard pattern of occupancy. The software and methodology for calculating the BER is published by Sustainable Energy Ireland.

 

What is a Provisional BER cert?

Where a building is offered for sale or letting off the plans on the basis of specifications for it’s proposed construction, a provisional BER certificate is required to be provided by the seller to prospective buyers or tenants. A provisional BER lapses upon completion of the building or after 24 months whichever is sooner. The provisional BER cert is printed in black and white.

 

BER upon completion of a new building

On completion of a new building a BER certificate and related advisory report is required. The advisory report will help you identify how you might improve the energy performance of your building. The final BER certificate is printed in colour.

 

Production of BER certificates to Building Control & Penalties

Subject to S.I. No 666 of 2006 the Building Control Authority may seek the production of a BER certificate for any building required to have such a certificate, failure to produce a printed copy of the BER certificate is an offence. Subject to Section 24 of S.I. No 666 of 2006 “proceedings for an offence under these Regulations may be brought and prosecuted by the Building Control Authority”. There are fines of up to €5000 for non-compliance with the regulations.

Content managed by: Fire and Building Control Department

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