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It is important to remember that new products are constantly coming on to the
market professing that they are the best alternative to current systems so this
must be carefully considered by the consumer before deciding on final products.
We
at Archer Consulting conduct
Energy Audits on new and existing
houses and advise you on how
to increase the comfort level
and energy conservation in your
building
What is a BER?
A BER or
Building Energy Rating is a certificate which rates the energy efficiency of a
house. Buildings will be rated on a scale from A1 (most efficient to G (least
efficient)-similar to that seen on our electrical appliances (denoted A-G for
efficiency)
Who needs it?
BER regulations are being introduced
on a phased basis.
• 1st January 2007: If you receive planning permission on or after this date
you are required to obtain a BER Cert when construction is complete
•
Prior to
1st January 2007: If you have a new home which received planning permission
before January 2007 you will not require a BER Cert until after January
•
The 1st January 2009 - and then only if you intend to sell, rent or lease
your home.
•
1st July 2008: All new buildings that receive planning permission on or
after this date must have a BER.
•
1st January 2009: All existing buildings for sale, rent or lease must have
a BER.
What does it involve?
New Dwellinghouses: The assessment is
carried out on foot of the plans and specifications that are available.
Existing Dwellinghouses: All BER assessors will be required to follow a
standardized procedure using an approved survey and calculation methods to
generate a rating.
The following will be assessed:
•
Total
Floor area of dwelling
•
Ventilation of the building (open vents or heat
recovery)
Exempt from BER?
The following Buildings are exempt from
BER, as permitted by the EPBD:
•
National Monuments;
•
Protected structures;
Places of worship or buildings used for the
religious activities of any religion;
•
Certain temporary
buildings; Non-residential industrial or agricultural buildings with a
low installed heating capacity (less than 10 W/m2);
•
Stand alone buildings
with a small useful floor area (less than 50m2).
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