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Frequently_asked_questions

What is a Building Energy Rating (BER)?
A BER is an objective scale of comparison for the energy performance of a building ranging from A1 to G and looks similar the A to G rating for a household electrical appliance. The BER is based on primary energy demand and the BER scale ranges from “A1” (most efficient) to “G” (least efficient).

What are the key dates for implementing BER in Ireland?
BER implementation is phased in three steps:
 

  • BER Assessment of new dwellings: the requirement came into effect on 01 January 2007. Transitional BER exemptions will apply to new dwellings for which planning permission is applied on or before 31 December 2006, where the new dwellings involved are substantially completed on or before 30 June 2008.
  • BER Assessment of new Non-Domestic Buildings: will commence on or after 1 July 2008. Transitional BER exemptions will apply to new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission is applied on or before 30 June 2008 provided the new non-domestic buildings involved are substantially completed by 30 June 2010.
  • BER Assessment of existing buildings when offered for sale or letting: the legislative requirement will come into effect on or after 1 January 2009.


When is there an obligation on builders/building owners to have a BER for a dwelling?
1) 1 January 2007: Newly constructed dwelling for which planning permission was applied for on or after 1 January 2007.
 

  • When the new dwelling is offered for sale “off plans”: a provisional BER certificate must be produced by the vendor to potential buyers or tenants, based on the pre- construction plans; and when the same new dwelling is completed, a BER certificate must be supplied to the purchaser, based on the plans of the dwelling as constructed (to take account of any design changes during construction.
  • When a new dwelling is built for a specific owner-occupier: A BER certificate must be procured by the person commissioning the dwelling, prior to taking up occupation of the dwelling.


2) 1 January 2009: Sale or letting of an existing dwelling.

A BER certificate must accompany an offer to sell or let an existing dwelling by the vendor or by the landlord or by their agent (e.g. auctioneer, estate agent, solicitor).

How long will it take to obtain a BER certificate?
Generally BER assessments will take one week from the receipt of payment and all required information (see the BER Assessment page for details of the information required). We submit the assessment results to the BER administration system maintained by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) for lodging on the BER register. SEI generates the certificate and returns it to us. We then despatch the certificate and advisory report to the client.

How much will it cost to obtain a BER certificate for a new dwelling or a Draft BER certificate for an existing dwelling?
The BER Assessment fee will, to a certain extent, be determined by the level of information available prior to commencement of the assessment:
 

  • Our fee for a BER Assessment of a new dwelling starts at €280 plus VAT assuming that all of the necessary input information can be provided by the client; and
  • Will be less than €280 plus VAT for a standard dwelling in a housing estate or a standard apartment in an apartment block providing we are assessing a number of dwellings in the same development or apartment block. We would be pleased to discuss a lump-sum fee arrangement for multiple assessments in such instances.
  • For existing second-hand dwellings, Residential Energy Audit fees will vary according to the dwelling size and complexity and the level of information relating to the dwelling that is available prior to commencement of the assessment. Owing to the nature of such assessment we will be pleased to quote an appropriate fee on a case-by-case basis.
  • An additional fee of €25 is payable to SEI for publication of BER certificates on their BER register.


What can be done to improve a BER assessment?
The advisory report which we provide with the BER certificate will contain recommendations on how to improve the energy performance of your home. Building energy performance improvement options might include measures such as:
 

  • Insulating the hot water cylinder and pipework;
  • Increasing the insulation in the walls/attic/floor;
  • Installing advanced energy efficient glazing;
  • Introducing measures to promote controlled and healthy ventilation;
  • Inefficient boiler replacement;
  • Installing modern heating controls;
  • Renewable energy heating system installation.


What is the validity period of a BER certificate?
A BER certificate will remain valid for a period of 10 years from the date of issue, unless there is a material change to the building in the meantime which could affect its energy performance. Examples of material changes include:

  • An extension to the building
  • A significant change to the building fabric or
  • A change in the heating system or fuel used.

If a property which has received a BER is placed on the market for sale within 10 years of the BER certificate being issued, and the property has experienced no relevant alteration in the meantime, then the original BER certificate may be used by the building owner for the purposes of meeting their obligations under the Regulations.

 

 
 
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