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HomeWhat is Building Energy Rating 2007
Who's driving this?
Sustainable Energy Ireland SEI in conjunction with an EU directive will require that all new homes built as of January 1st 2007 be tested for and certified with a building energy rating.
I have a commercial property for sale do I need a BER certificate?
Yes. From the 1st Jan 2009 all non-domestic properties offered for sale or rent require a Building Energy Rating Certificate to accompany them. Failure to comply is breaking the law.
I am a tenant in a commercial property and my lease is due to be renewed on March 1st 2009, do I need a BER even though I am not moving property?
Yes. The renewal of your lease after Jan 1st 2009 requires a BER certificate to be issued before the contract of the new lease is signed.
Is the Building Energy Rating like an NCT for the house?
No. Unlike your car which by law needs to meet minimum standards for road worthiness and emissions control, the BER is only a rating of a home's energy efficiency. The homeowner looking to sell or rent is under no obligation at this time to make any recommended improvements. That may change in the future with so called ‘Green Laws’ which may levy fines or other penalties in energy deficient homes being sold or rented.
Does it apply to all homes?
Not yet. From January 1st 2007 to January 1st 2009, it only applies to new homes. But even then, it won't cause many problems.
Who does it impact after January 1st 2009?
After January 1st 2009, all homeowners who are looking to sell or rent their house will need to get their house energy rated as well. The rating will enable prospective buyers and renters to calculate how efficient the property will be to heat. A home receiving a good energy rating will therefore be more attractive to potential buyers i.e. making the home more valuable.
How could I find out the Building Energy Rating of my house?
It comes down to an assessment which will determine the efficiency or lack thereof in a houses heating and energy usage. This is important because a home with a poor energy rating has a higher energy consumption thereby further contributing to the ‘greenhouse’ effect and global warming. It will also cost you more to heat your home and stay warm. Remember your mother telling you to close that door and stop heating the outdoors? Kind of like that.
Who will do the assessment?
The assessment will be carried out by qualified BER Assessors registered with the SEI.
Can someone who is not looking to sell or rent their property make good use of a BER test anyway?
Absolutely! Energy costs are rising with seemingly no end in sight. Since the year 2000, the price of home oil has risen by 60%, gas by 55% and electricity by 44% and the ESB have announced a further 35-37% increase over 2006 prices. Making recommended changes in energy efficient products can save hundreds of euros a year or more. Insulating cavities in walls, lining ceilings and floors with insulation; installing double glazed windows and better heating systems such as combination boilers, are just a few ways to make your homes heating more efficient.
Is that it?
Well, there you have it! More energy efficient homes will help to lesson the harmful effects of global warming and the ‘greenhouse’ effect while saving you money. A win-win for everyone. Change is in the air and it all begins January 1st 2007.
BER assessments for commercial buildings differ greatly to the already established domestic BER sector.
BER Ireland offers a complete assessment allowing the client to avail of best practice energy saving advice.
The aim of the air tightness testing is to reduce energy losses from the dwelling in the form of air leakage.
The energy audit will provide you with a specific report relating to your property which will address any weaknesses.