Building Energy Ratings (BER)

Background To Building Energy Rating Certificates Or BER?

A BER (Building Energy Rating) is similar to the energy rating label on kitchen appliances with a scale of A-G. An A rated property is the most energy efficient and G the least efficient. As of 1st of January 2009 a BER Certificate is a Statutory Requirement for all property being sold or rented.

Who Carries Out The BER Certificates?

At Thornton’s Chartered Surveyors we provide BER Assessments for Non Domestic (Commercial, Industrial, Retail etc) and Domestic (Residential).

Our Surveyors are trained under the National Framework of Qualifications and are registered with Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). We have Professional Indemnity Insurance, which is not a prerequisite / requirement of SEAI. Non Domestic Assessors deal with all properties which are not used for residential purposes, for example, Shops, Offices and Warehouses. Domestic Assessors, deal with houses and apartments.

Our surveyors are available to discuss the outcome of the BER and recommend ways to improve the rating.

How Is A BER Calculated?

A BER is calculated by assessing the aspect of the building, the building fabric itself and services such as ventilation, space, water heating, and lighting. Measurements taken on site combined with values for the services are assessed and inputted into specialised software. The details are emailed to SEAI and the BER Certificate and Advisory report are issued and confirmed online. SEAI publishes the Certificate on the BER register. A BER is valid for a period of ten years.

How Long Will It Take To Get A BER Cert?

Following instruction our Surveyors will contact our client to arrange an appointment. The anticipated turnaround for Non Domestic inspections and issuing of a Certificate and Advisory report is approximately two to three weeks. For DomesticCertificates the time frame is approximately 7 working days.

How Much Will A BER Certificate Cost?

The fees charged are determined by the location, size, type and complexity of the building. For non-domestic buildings, fees will vary when services and the building use are considered.

Are There Any Exemptions From A BER?

Yes, the following building types / categories are exempt

  • National monuments
  • Protected structures
  • Places of worship
  • Certain temporary buildings
  • Non-residential industrial or agricultural buildings were the heating capacity is less than 10 W/m2
  • Stand alone buildings less than 50m2

 

Other Questions?

Should you have a question related to Building Energy Ratings not covered above please get in touch and we would be delighted to help.

Building Energy Ratings

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