FAQ

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

The Kyoto Protocol is a document signed by about one hundred and eighty countries at Kyoto, Japan, in December 1997. The Protocol commits thirty-eight industrialized countries to cut their emissions of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are a term used for gases like Carbon Dioxide (C02) which are mainly generated as a result of burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and petrol.
Buildings are a major consumer of energy. Around 40% of final energy consumption in the EU is attributed to the buildings sector. Research has indicated that by improving the energy efficiency of buildings, CO2 emissions could be reduced by 22%.

Are any buildings exempt from BER?

The Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) will apply to almost all buildings, residential and non-residential, both new and existing. However, Article 3 of S.I. No.666 of 2006 provides exemptions for the following categories of buildings: Historical, architectural importance (protected structures), religious buildings, buildings of low occupancy or size and certain agricultural buildings.

What is a BER?

A Building Energy Rating is a label, not unlike the efficiency rating given to such appliances as fridges, freezers and washing machines. The label indicates the energy rating of a property. The rating is expressed in the form of performance bands, ‘A’ being the most energy efficient to ‘G’ being the least energy efficient.

What does a Certificate look like?

ber
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When is an Energy Rating legally required?

New Dwellings, Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER)

From the 1st January 2007 all new dwellings require a BER Certificate prior to occupancy. The earlier a BER assessment is carried out in the design stage, the easier it is to incorporate more energy efficient materials and technologies.

Existing Dwellings, Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER)

If you offer for sale or rent an existing property after the 1st of January 2009 then the property will have to have a Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER).

What are the legal implications for non compliance?

There is a maximum fine of up to €5,000 for not getting a Building Energy Rating when required.

How is it calculated?

The calculation takes into account the building fabric, ventilation, space and water heating, and lighting. These elements coupled with dimensions of the property formulate the energy rating.

The rating is expressed in the form of performance bands, rated on a scale of A to G, with ‘A’ being the most energy efficient, and ‘G’ being the least energy efficient.

What are the benefits of a BER?

A BER rates the energy performance of a dwelling on a scale of A to G, for prospective buyers and tenants. ‘A’ being the most energy efficient, thus enabling them to take energy efficiency into consideration in their next house purchase or rental decision.

How can I improve my Energy Rating?

The Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER) comes with an accompanying advisory report. This report outlines recommendations as to what you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home. You may then choose to implement some or all of the changes outlined.
Greener Energy Homes Assessors may recommend some of the following:

Increasing the insulation in the walls/attic/floors
Installing energy efficient windows/doors
Ways to achieve a more controlled and healthy ventilation system
Replace an old or inefficient boiler with a more efficient boiler
Fitting a more modern heating control system
Insulating the hot water cylinder and pipe work
Installing energy lighting
Ways to draught proof windows/doors

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The advisory report is a key document for all home buyers. It is particularly useful to those who have just purchased an existing dwelling which they plan to improve or renovate. This report will outline how you can gain the full benefit of energy usage in your home.

Is a BER required for a property for sale from plans?

A Provisional Building Energy Rating is required if you are selling any dwelling from plans. The Provisional BER label must be provided to the potential buyer of the property. This BER Cert is based on pre-construction plans. This BER Cert lasts for two years from the date of issue.

Who pays the cost of BER Certification?

All costs associated with obtaining a Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER) are payable by the seller/ developer (whether an individual, a local authority or other housing provider). In 2009, when Building Energy Rating Certification (BER) rolls out for existing properties which are offered for sales or letting, the property owner is responsible for associated fees

Why should I get an Energy Audit carried out?

It’s a good idea to get an energy audit carried out on your home to assess heat loss through roof, walls, ground floor, windows, and your space heating and domestic hot water system. The home energy audit will highlight the energy loss and advise you on practical solutions that will improve the energy efficiency of your home.

Recommendations made by a qualified energy assessor will ensure that you only install systems and technologies that are suitable for your home.

How do I find out more information?

Simply call Greener Energy Homes Assessors on 049 4334513 and one of our registered assessors will be more then happy to answer any query you may have or e-mail us on greenergyhomes@iol.ie