Building Energy Rating

What is it?
It is a standard calculation of your dwelling’s energy performance, so basically it is to measure how much energy and carbon your house will use and produce annually. There are exceptions for certain categories of homes, for example, protected structures and certain temporary homes.

Who needs a BER Certificate?
A seller must provide a BER to prospective buyers or tenants when a home is constructed, sold or rented. All existing homes for sale or rent on or after the 1st of January 2009. An existing dwelling is a dwelling which has previously been sold and/or occupied.

Factors that the assessors will inspect

• Size, geometry and exposure of dwelling
• Materials used for construction of the dwelling.
• Thermal insulation of the different elements of the building fabric.
• Efficiency, responsiveness and control characteristics of the heating system.
• Solar gains through glared openings of the dwelling.
• Fuel used for space and water heating, ventilation and lighting.
• Renewable and alternative energy generation technologies incorporated in the dwelling.

Once this assessment is carried out you will receive a building energy rating certificate.

Also you will receive an advisory report, contained in this will be advice including the following:
• Building Fabric
• Walls, Roof and Floors
• Windows and Doors
• Healthy Ventilation
• Space Heating
• Water Heating
• Lighting
• General Advice

Here are some of the offences that could cause you to pay a fine of up to €5000 or a term of imprisonment of up to months or both the fine and imprisonment;
- If you fail to permit an inspection of a building
- If you refuse to comply with any request or requirement of an authorised officer made under the regulations related to inspection of a building, without reasonable cause
- Interference, obstruction or assault of an authorised officer when they are doing their job
- Failure to acknowledge a certain material in the building which might change or have an effect on the assessment of the building.

Why should you have a BER Certificate?
If you have a BER Certificate, this will give you more of an advantage in the selling market. It will show any potential buyers that your building is finished in the highest quality and that it is a safe house and is environmentally safe also.

How long does a BER Certificate last for?
Your BER Certificate will last for 10 years. Although if the dwelling significantly changes you must obtain a new rating.

How long does it take?
Depending on the size of the dwelling will depend on the length of time it will take. 1-3 bedroom house/apartment will approximately take 30 mins/ 60 mins and a 4-5 bedroom house/ apartment will take 60 mins/ 120 mins approximately.

Who is responsible for the BER Scheme?
It was established under the European Communities Regulations 2006. SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland) has been designated as the Issuing Authority with responsibility for the registration of BER assessors, logging of BER assessments and ongoing management of the BER Scheme. SEAI has put a comprehensive quality assurance system in place to audit BER assessors and assessments and to protect the integrity of the BER Scheme.

Can you get a Government Grant to improve the dwelling?
Yes. SEAI has funding available to anyone who would like to upgrade/improve their dwelling.

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