About BER
BER what is it?
A BER is simply an energy label for your home similar to that on electrical appliances eg. Fridge. The label has a scale of A-G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and G the least efficient. Since 1st of January 2009 a BER certificate is compulsory for all homes being offered for sale or lease.
In order to achieve higher ratings developers will be required to design dwellings which go above the minimum standards and which include energy efficient features such as condensing boilers, passive solar design, energy efficient glazing, increased insulation levels, renewable energy technologies, etc.
Who needs a BER?
A BER is required by an owner or seller in the following circumstances:
- When building a new dwelling to live in
- Developing new dwellings for sale
- Selling a dwelling from drawings (Provisional BER)
- Constructing a dwelling for the rental market
- Offering an existing dwelling for sale
- Advertising an existing dwelling for rent/lease
How long is a BER valid for?
A BER for a building will be valid for 10 years from the date of its being issued, unless there is a material change in the building in the meantime which could affect its energy performance – for example an extension to the building, a significant change to the building fabric or a change in the heating system or fuel used. Therefore if a property which has received a BER is placed on the market within 10 years of that BER being issued, and the property has experienced no relevant alteration in the meantime, then that same BER may be used by the home owner for the purposes of meeting their obligations under the Regulations.
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 Certificate is based on pre-construction plans. This BER Certificate lasts for two years from the date of issue.
Who Can Carry Out the BER?
BER assessments are carried out by registered BER assessors who have trained under the National Framework of Qualifications and have registered with SEI (Sustainable Energy Ireland). BER assessors must meet requirements set by SEI, including the signing up to a code of Practice.
What areas do Greener Energy Homes Assessors Ltd cover?
Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Dublin, Meath, Louth and Monaghan.
