BER FAQ

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was transposed into Irish law on the 4th of January 2006. Article 7 of the EPBD requires that when a building is constructed, sold or rented, a BER detailing its energy consumption must be made available to prospective buyers or tenants. A BER gives an objective scale of comparison for the energy demand and energy performance of a building. It is rather like the miles per gallon rating for a vehicle or the A to G rating for an electrical appliance. The BER will allow prospective buyers or tenants to factor energy performance and costs into their comparison of different properties.

The BER will be expressed in terms of Kilowatt-hours per square metre floor area per year (kWh/m2/yr) and transposed graphically in the form of performance bands A1 (most energy efficient) to G (least energy efficient). The information will form the basis of a BER Certificate, the format of which can be seen on the left of this page. The BER must also be accompanied by an advisory report. The BER is valid for up to 10 years.

A BER certificate means a certificate in a prescribed form (see example at top of the page) on the basis of a BER Assessment, which is held and may be viewed in electronic form on the BER register, and may be reproduced and issued in printed form by or on behalf of the issuing authority (Sustainable Energy Ireland).

The EPBD is a piece of legislation that all European Union (EU) Member States must enact. The purpose of the EPBD is to promote improvements in the energy performance of all buildings across Europe. The complete text of the directive can be found at www.sei.ie/epbd. The principle objectives of the directive are:

Successful implementation of the EPBD is seen as a key initiative in the implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy Ireland and to meeting EU commitments made under 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 industrialised countries to cut their emissions of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases is 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%.

SEI was set up by the government in 2002 as Ireland's national energy agency to promote and assist the development of sustainable energy. SEI in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DOEHLG) and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) are jointly responsible for implementing the requirements of the EPBD. SEI is responsible for publishing the national methodology adopted for assessing energy rating of dwellings as required by the EPBD.

A BER for a dwelling is calculated using the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) published by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). The DEAP is the national methodology adopted, as required, by the EPBD, for calculating the energy rating of new homes and is based on the European Standard prEN 13790. In addition it also calculates the CO2 emissions associated with dwelling energy use as required by the Amended Building Regulations 2005.

Currently yes, when a new dwelling is first occupied or offered for sale or letting (whether in writing or otherwise) if planning was sought from 1st of January 2007. However it is proposed to phase in the commencement of mandatory BER for other building types:

The EPBD will apply to almost all buildings, residential and non-residential, both new and existing. However, Article 3 of S.I. No.666 pf 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.

Persons selling dwellings off plans will be required to provide prospective buyers with a provisional BER, as calculated by registered BER Assessors. On the completion of construction of any dwelling, for which a provisional BER is generated, a BER certificate and related advisory report (which takes account of any changes implemented during its construction relative to the plans, specifications or other data on which the provisional BER was based) shall be produced to any purchaser or tenant before completion of sale or letting. As stipulated by the Amended Building Control Act 1990, section 6B (5)(a) and (b), a Building Control Authority may also request the production of a BER certificate.

A BER is calculated using the Dwellings Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) and is based on the following data:

No, it is up to the individual as to whether or not they carry out any of the suggested improvements listed in the advisory report.

The airtightness of the external envelope will directly effect the energy rating of a building in numerous ways, depending on the method of ventilation and number of design openings (i.e. an open fire place), designed into the construction. Generally speaking, in order to achieve an efficient BER a high level of airtightness with reference to ATTMA (Airtightness testing and measurement association) best practices should be adhered to.

Ecological Building Systems employ qualified BER assessors. While as suppliers we do not issue certificates, we can provide insightful advice concerning achieving an efficient Building Energy Rating.