What are Building Energy Ratings?

Building Energy Ratings ChartBER indicates the energy rating of a building. The BER rating is determined in the form of performance bands, “A” being the most efficient to “G” being the least energy efficient.

At Planning & Development Services we will provide assistance to homeowners, developers, builders and landlords by helping them apply for and receive grants towards the costs incurred for upgrading the energy efficiency of their property.

The Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) will determine your property’s Building Energy Rating (BER) within a scale from most efficient A1 right down to least efficient G.

A BER certificate displays the energy performance of a building, that is, the energy used per square metre per year (kWk/m²/yr).

A dwelling built to the current standards would typically receive a C1 rating at best, meaning a dwelling consumes between 150-175 kWk/m²/yr of energy. However changing requirements mean that homes for which planning permission is applied for on or after 1 July 2008, will typically achieve a B1 rating. Achieving a B1 rating will reduce energy consumption to between 75-100 kWk/m²/yr almost half the usage of a C1 rated home.

A further 20% improvement in energy performance is then expected as soon as 2010.

From 2009 a BER certificate will need to be produced for all homes being sold or rented. This will allow prospective buyers and tenants to compare the energy efficiency of your home against others and take energy performance into consideration when deciding what home to purchase or rent.

Note: There is a maximum fine of up to €5000 for not having a BER cert when required.

Building Energy Ratings for New Homes

There are two types of BER certificates that potentially apply for new dwellings:

Provisional BER Certificates

Provisional BER CertificatesA Provisional cert is valid for 2 years while the dwelling is being constructed and must be shown to prospective house buyers. Its aim is to allow buildings to be sold from construction plans.

The certificate can be completed when using initial construction drawings (before dwelling is constructed). If the dwelling has not being completed within the period of 2 years a further provisional certificate will be required.

A complete BER can only be completed when the dwelling has being completed to the specification given with the initial drawings. If any changes or improvements have being made this must be included in a new specification sheet and the builder/client must sign a declaration of conformance that the dwelling has being built in accordance with the Building regulations or a new specification sheet if superior building materials were used.

BER Certificates

BER Certificates are valid for 10 years and apply to new & existing dwellings for sale or rent.

We will include an advisory report to accompany the certificate, this advisory report outline recommendations which if carried out will improve the current energy rating of your home.

Commercial BER Certificates

Non Domestic Energy Rating (NEAP)

If you are selling or renting a non-domestic building you must provide a Building Energy Rating and advisory report from the 1st January 2009.

Since 1st July 2008 a Building Energy Rating (BER) has being required for new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission on or after 1st July 2008. Non domestic buildings are categorised in differing levels, namely level 3, 4 and 5 depending on the complexity of the relevant building.

Assessment

An independent BER Assessor will calculate your homes carbon dioxide emissions, and review if your home achieves the required 40% improvement in energy efficiency.

This is a whole building assessment and takes into account the following:

  • Building Fabric i.e. Insulation Levels, Glazing Performance
  • Heating System and Controls
  • Renewable Energy Technology
  • Lighting, Water and Space Heating

Applicable Dates

  • DEAP calculation and BER labelling applies to all new homes for which planning is applied for on or after 1st January 2007
  • From July 2008 a 40% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions as well as a 40% improvement in energy performance will be required. This will typically result in a B1 rating
  • A BER certificate will be required when selling, leasing or renting an existing building, regardless of age, from 1st January 2009
Our Recommendations
  • Aim high, regardless of the stage of your home, achieving an A rating today will inevitably save you more in the long run. Do your research
  • Consider the extra material, labour and energy costs associated with upgrading at a later stage, or the impact a lower rating will have on the value of your home
  • Introducing more, or more efficient insulation, and improving air tightness and glazing performance will reduce the heat loss of the wall, floor and roof, improving your energy rating
  • The efficiency of the heating system and the introduction of environmentally friendly methods of energy generation such as solar panels must also be considered to achieve the best possible rating
  • Utilising a high performance building fabric is the key to an energy efficient building by limiting the space heating requirements and ensuring you home is future proofed