What is a B.E.R.?

A BER (Building Energy Rating) is a standard calculation of the energy performance of a building. This is produced by a qualified and registered assessor using methods and procedures developed by SEAI and usually includes a survey of the building. It is similar to the mpg or l/km rating for a car or the A to G rating for household electrical appliances.

Do I need a BER certificate?

Not necessarily, unless you are about to sell, rent or substantially modify your home then you do not currently require a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate.
If you are selling, renting or extending any dwelling in Ireland you must obtain a valid BER Certificate. This will enable potential purchasers/renters to compare properties on the basis of their energy efficiency and therefore their running costs. A BER certificate is normally valid for 10 years unless the building is modified or extended before normal expiration. Further information can be found at www.seai.ie

Don't BER certificates apply only to new buildings?

Not any more, BER's have been introduced on a phased basis, and since 1st Jan 2009 are applicable to all buildings, new and existing, when offered for rent, sale or when undergoing substantial refurbishment or extension.

When do I require a B.E.R.?

As and from January 1st 2009, you legally require a B.E.R. when selling, leasing or renting a property belonging to you. Failure to comply could result in a fine of €5000, imprisonment of up to 3 months, or both.

What is the purpose of the B.E.R.?

The BER will make the energy performance characteristics of the building transparent to prospective buyers and tenants. As a result, prospective buyers and tenants will be able, for the first time, to take energy performance into consideration in their decision to purchase or rent a building. Overall, the message in a market context is: ?information is power?. BER is about equipping the consumer with information and the consequent power to act in their own best interests.

Am I legally required to improve the energy rating of my building?

Generally speaking, no. When a BER certificate is issued it should be accompanied by basic recommendations for improvements. It is however entirely a matter for the property owner to decide if any of the recommendations should be implemented. There is no obligation to improve the energy rating of any existing building. However in the case of a new building, extensions and certain renovations the owner must ensure that the latest building regulations are met. Doing so may involve a degree of improvement in order to achieve compliance.

Are there any exemptions?

The requirements of the EPBD apply to most buildings, residential and otherwise. However under S.I. 66 of 2006 certain exemptions are permitted, these are primarily monuments, religious buildings, historically significant buildings and certain agricultural  buildings.

How much will a B.E.R. cost me?

Prices for existing dwellings start from just  €135 inclusive of all relevant charges. Costing for BER cert may be based on construction detail rather than building size.

What are the benefits of a Survey/ Advisory Report?

The report will make fully visible to the home owner how they stand as regards energy usage and running costs and will enable them to improve, to whatever level they deem suitable with regards to their budget.

What details are required to conduct such a survey?

A site survey of your dwelling will be necessary along with any available plans or drawings and will be carried out by a qualified assessor. We will also need to know the approximate year of construction and years of any subsequent alterations / extensions.

Is there a best time to commission such a report?

If you simply want to know how the Energy Efficiency of your dwelling stands at present or if you are planning any material alterations to your property, you would be well advised to commission an Audit / Report as this would be the best time to upgrade the energy efficiency of your dwelling and ensure that all planned works are in accordance with Building Regulations regarding Energy Efficiency and also to ensure that you the home owner know exactly what your project requirements are.

How much will this service cost me?

Costs start at €250 inclusive of all charges and depending on available details. Costing for survey and advisory report may be based on construction detail rather than building size.

Do I need an energy Audit?

Virtually everyone can benefit from a home energy audit. The older your home is, the less energy efficient its likely to be. An energy audit will help you identify the areas which you should target in order to improve your rating, and save money on your heating and lighting costs.

How is an energy audit performed?

The first stage in our Home energy audit entails a detailed survey of the dwelling. This will typically take around an hour and a half during which time the assessor will take detailed measurements of the dwelling including all walls, floors & windows etc. Note is also made of  the buildings structure type, insulation levels, heating system(s), lighting, glazing and ventilation - along with many other elements used to ascertain the buildings current energy footprint.
The assessor will require access to all areas of the dwelling including the attic and any buildings directly attached to the dwelling, Garages, sheds etc.
After the survey, the data collected is used to compute the the energy rating of the building, this is done using software devised SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority ofIreland) Following this the assessor will be able to determine the improvements that may be made to the dwelling to improve its energy usage.
The final stage is the compilation and issuance of the completed energy audit report. A BER certificate can optionally be issued following the audit report.

What does an Energy Survey and Advisory Report contain?

The Energy Audit Report has a number of sections. It will reveal your dwellings current energy rating, showing the approximate cost of providing light and heat on an annual basis. It will then proceed to detail improvements that could be made, showing the potential improvement in energy rating and subsequent decrease in running costs associated with each improvement. Any improvements recommended are tailored to your specific dwelling.