Ber Assesment
What is a Ber Certificate?
A BER, Building Energy Rating is an standard energy certificate for a building and is an indication on
how energy efficient a property is. Similar to a label on your fridge, a BER scale runs from A (green) to
G (red) where A rated homes are the most energy efficient and a G rated home the least energy efficient.
The Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER) also comes with an accompanying advisory report which
contains recommendations on how you might improve the energy performance of your home.
How is a BER, Building Energy Rating calculated?
A BER is calculated based on the building fabric make up such as the walls, roof, floors, windows
and doors, the construction type and the levels of insulation used. The BER calculation measures the
energy performance of the building also takes into account other features such as the dwelling size, the
orientation, the ventilation, the water heating system, the space heating system and any renewable energy
sources used. Heat distribution losses and lighting are added and calculated on the basis of a notional
standard family and standard occupancy. The resulting energy performance of the building is expressed as:
• Primary energy use per (kWh/m2/yr) and is represented on the BER certificate on the scale A to G.
• The amount of carbon dioxide emissions in kgCO2/m2/yr associated with the dwelling
*** Please note that a BER cert does not include the electricity used for cooking and laundry, etc but does
include the electricity used for heating, lighting, fans and pumps.
A BER is only an indication of the energy performance of a dwelling. The actual energy used depends on
the occupants and how they run the house.
The Building Energy Rating (BER) is an indication of the energy performance of your home or
commercial premises. It covers energy use for space heating, water heating, ventilation, and lighting. This
is calculated on the basis of standard occupancy. It is expressed as primary energy use per unit floor area
per year. 'A' rated properties are the most energy efficienct and will have the lowest energy bills.
When is a BER legally required and who is entitled to a BER certificate?
A landlord / seller must provide a BER certificate to a prospective buyer or tenants when a house is
constructed, rented or sold where the following criteria applies.
• New homes where planning permission was applied for on or after 1st of January 2007
• All existing houses for sale or rent on or after 1st January 2009
There is a maximum fine of up to €5000 for not having a BER Certificate when required.
Prospective buyers and tenants are entitled to see the BER cert so they can now for the fist time take
the energy performance of the home into consideration when deciding on their next house purchase
or rental.
What do I get with my BER Certificate?
Every BER cert will also be accompanied by a detailed report which will outline whether or not the
house is complying with the building regulations (in terms of energy efficiency) and an advisory report
containing recommendations that can improve the energy performance of the dwelling.
How long is a BER certificate valid for?
A BER certificate is valid for 10 years.
What is a Provisional BER Certificate?
Any new homes offered for sale off the plans will also require a BER cert. A provisional BER cert is
issued to a dwelling that is not yet built can be completed using the initial building plans and is valid
for a maximum of 2 years. Any changes or improvements made during the construction can be added
when the dwelling is complete to improve the BER, but must be signed off by the builder or client.
New homes must comply with current building regulations with a minimum B3 rating.
Where can I get a BER Certificate?
Eirgreen’s BER assessors can carry out a full BER assessment of your dwelling and issue you with a
BER certificate which is valid for 10 years. Please contact us today.
Who is the regulatory authority for the BER Certificates and BER Assessors?
The BER Scheme was established under the European Communities (Energy Performance of
Buildings) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 666 of 2006).
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) are the overseeing authority for the registration of BER Assessors
and for the responsibility for BER Assessments. They have in place quality assurance system to audit
BER Assessors and BER Assessments to ensure the BER Scheme adheres to all legal conformities.