BER - what is it?
A BER is similar to the energy label for a household electrical appliance like your fridge. The label has a scale of A-G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and G the least efficient.
A BER certificate will be compulsory for almost all new homes by mid 2008. If you are buying or renting a new house or apartment now, you may already be entitled to a BER - so do ask the seller/landlord or their agent for it.
From the 1st of January 2009 a BER certificate will be compulsory for all homes being sold or rented.
It is an offence for persons not registered with SEI as BER assessors to purport to carry out a BER assessment service for the purposes of the Regulations.
To see what a Building Energy Rating Certificate looks like please click here.
There is a maximum fine of up to €5,000.00 for not having a BER cert when required.
There are two types of BER certificates that apply for new dwellings:
Provisional BER Cert
A Provisional BER Cert can be completed when using initial construction drawings (before dwelling is constructed). This Provisional Cert is only valid for a maximum of 2 years while the dwelling is being constructed. If the dwelling has not been completed within this period, a further Provisional Cert will be required.
BER Certs
Along with the BER Cert we will provide you with a detailed report which will outline whether or not the house is complying with the building regulations (in terms of energy efficiency).
This will include details such as
- Property and assessor details
- Property dimensions
- Ventilation details
- Building Elements
- Water Heating
- Lighting and Internal gains
- Net space heat demand
- Distribution system losses and gains
- Energy Requirements
- Summer Internal Temperature
- Results
Some providers we can recommend are www.energyrateit.ie and www.4ber.ie