Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificates
Building Energy Rating Certificates show the energy performance and C02 emissions of a building. It is quite similar to the energy rating found on all new electrical items such as fridges, microwaves, cookers etc. It is expressed in performance categories, which are rated from ‘A' (most efficient) to ‘G' (least efficient). Each BER issued will be accompanied by an advisory report consisting of recommendations for cost-effective improvements to the energy performance of the building.
As part of carrying out a BER on new dwellings, compliance with the current building regulations will be checked. For this reason we offer a Domestic BER Plan which checks the design specification before commencing to build. We will advise and show how compliance can be met, as failing the building regulations will mean no certificate of compliance can be offered when complete!
How is a BER calculated?
A BER for new dwellings is calculated using a detailed set of plans and an accompanying specification list for the dwelling.
A Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) software package is used for this calculation process which takes into consideration the insulation, ventilation, windows/doors, space/water heating and lighting of the dwelling. The calculation process makes standardised assumptions such as the number of people occupying the dwelling, domestic hot water usage, room temperatures etc.
This allows an exact comparison between buildings, regardless of the current occupier’s usage. The end result of a BER, calculates the primary energy consumption, which is expressed in kWh per meter squared per annum (kWh/m2/yr) and quantifies the C02 output in kg of C02 per meter squared per annum (kg/CO2/m2/yr). A performance category ‘A' to ‘G' is assigned to the energy consumption at this point.
Additional Services:
Before and After BER (HES €200 grant aided)
With the new Home Energy Saving Scheme in place offering grants for insulation, heating systems and BER Cert's, IBER will offer the “After Improvements” BER Certificate at €€€ Half Price!