What is a Building Energy Rating?

A building energy rating (or BER) is an energy label for a building which rates the energy efficiency of that building on a scale of A to G, A being the most efficient and G being the least efficient.

Factors Affecting the Energy Rating of a Building:
Broadly speaking the factors which affect the rating are as follows:

1. Construction and Orientation of the Main Building Elements.
2. Type and quantity of Glazing.
3. Thermal Insulation.
4. Ventilation characteristics of the building.
5. Type, efficiency and control of the main water heating systems.
6. Type, efficiency and control of the main space heating systems.
7. Fuel used for main water and space heating systems.
8. Type of lighting.
9. Renewable Energy Technologies.

FAQ

When do I need a BER?

New dwellings for which planning permission was applied for on or after 1st January 2007will require a BER Cert. Transitional BER exemptions apply to new dwellings for which planning permission is applied on or before 31st December 2006, where the new dwellings involved are substantially completed on or before 30th June 2008.

Where a new building is being offered for sale or letting on the basis of plans and specifications a provisional BER cert will be required to be available to any prospective purchaser or tenant. On completion of that building a final BER cert shall be required.

Do I need a BER if constructing a dwelling for my own use?

Any person who commissions the construction of a building for which planning permission has been applied on or after 1st January 2007 or not substantially complete by 30th June 2008 will require a BER Cert before the building is occupied for the first time.

How long will a BER Certificate remain valid?

A BER certificate for a building will be valid for 10 years from the date of issue.

A provisional BER certificate will be valid for a period of 2 years from the date of issue.

A BER certificate will become invalid within the above timeframes if there are any significant changes to the building which could affect the energy performance. Factors which could affect this include:

09. any significant deterioration in the fabric of the building
10. any extension to the building
11. Any changes to the heating system or type of fuel used.

What will happen if I do not obtain a BER Certificate for my building?

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..