A BER (Building Energy Rating) is similar to the energy label for a household electrical appliance like your fridge. The label has a scale of A-G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and G the least efficient.

From the 1st of January 2009 a BER certificate is compulsory for all homes being sold or rented. If you are buying or renting a new house or apartment now, you are entitled to a BER – so do ask the seller/landlord or their agent for it.

All new homes (even when not for sale) must have a BER certificate before they are occupied.

BER assessments performed on new dwellings will also help determine compliance to Part L of the Building Regulations.

New Non-Domestic Buildings: The regulations apply to new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission was applied for on or after 1st July 2008. Transitional BER exemptions will apply to new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission is applied on or before 30th June 2008 provided the new non-domestic buildings involved are substantially completed by 30th June 2010.

Existing Buildings: (dwellings and other buildings) when offered for sale or letting on or after 1st January 2009 –

A seller must provide a BER to prospective buyers or tenants when a home is constructed, sold or rented under the following circumstances:

• New homes where planning permission was applied for on or after the 1st of January 2007:
• All homes for sale or rent on or after the 1st of January 2009

A BER for a building will be valid for 10 years from the date of its being issued, unless there is a material change in the building in the meantime which could affect its energy performance for example an extension to the building, a significant change to the building fabric or a change in the heating system or fuel used.

Therefore if a property which has received a BER is placed on the market within 10 years of that BER being issued, and the property has experienced no relevant alteration in the meantime, then that same BER may be used by the building owner for the purposes of meeting their obligations under the Regulations.

We employ Building Energy Rating (BER) assessors registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), who carry out BER assessments on existing and new houses, single or developments under construction.

Our assessors will assess the dimensions, fabric, ventilation, water heating and lighting systems in your building. This will then be used to calculate an energy rating for your home. Energy ratings are from A to G, A being the most energy efficient and G being the least energy efficient.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements.