BER certificate
- Another stipulation of the EPBD is that a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate, effectively an energy label, will also be required for buildings constructed, sold or rented.
- In Ireland this is being implemented on a phased basis by Sustainable Energy Ireland (www.sei.ie)
- From 1st January 2009, a BER certificate became compulsory for all homes being sold or rented.
- The BER is calculated for new and existing homes by using the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP). The procedure is supplied by Sustainable Energy Ireland and takes into account a combination of the building materials utilised, building size, space heating, water heating, ventilation, lighting and renewable energy sources.
The results of the assessment are twofold. The primary energy use per square metre of floor space per year (represented on a scale from A to G where an A rated home is the most energy efficient and a G rated home is the least efficient) and the associated CO2 emissions per square metre. New homes complying with the new Part L requirements would be expected to achieve at least a B3 rating.
The BER alone is a measure of energy performance and does not obligate the building owner to make improvements. However a highly rated building will be more attractive to prospective buyers and tenants and create an economic pressure to make the necessary improvements for more sustainable homes.
