Building Energy Ratings Accessor


What is a Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate?

A BER certificate is an objective scale of comparison of the energy performance of a building. The BER ranges from A1 to G - similar to the ratings on electrical appliances. The BER determines the Energy requirements and CO2 emissions of a particular building.


Who requires a BER?

From 1st January 2009 a BER is legally required by anybody who is:

·         Constructing a New Building (whether for sale or own use)

·         Selling a Building (new or existing)

·         Renting/Leasing a Building (new or existing)

·         Applies to Domestic & Non-Domestic Buildings


Note, for new Dwellings, a Provisional BER is required before construction commences and must be updated upon completion.


Who can Complete a BER?

BER Certification can only be carried out by a certified BER assessor who must be registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). All BER assessors must be qualified and registered with SEI in order to complete and issue a BER. Hayes Higgins Partnership is fully registered with SEI for Domestic BER certification.


What Factors Determine the BER Achieved?

The BER will determine the overall energy cost of heating the building and hot water. This will be determined by numerous factors including:

·         Floor area & volume of the building and Year of construction

·         Fabric U-Values (walls, floors, roofs, windows)

·         Ventilation (chimneys, vents, fans, sheltering)

·         Heating System (type, age, efficiency)

·         Heating Distribution (radiators, underfloor, storage heating)

·         Heating Controls - (thermostats, timers etc.)

·         Hot Water (cylinder size, insulation, immersion, controls)

·         Renewable Energies (Heatpumps, Solar Panels etc.)

·         External Doors & Windows (U-Value as determined by frame & glass type/thickness, orientation, sizes etc.)

·         Fuels (gas, oil, electricity, solid fuel, wood pellet etc.)


What Information does a BER Certificate Contain?

·         The building’s energy rating category from A1 to G with A1 being the best result attainable.

·         The primary energy usage in kilowatt-hours per square meter floor area per year (kWh/m2/yr)

·         The CO2 emissions of the dwelling

·         Date of issue, assessor details, building owner/address etc.


What are the benefits of a BER for me?

Apart from being a legal requirement, a BER allows:

·         Persons building their own home optimise the building design, heating system and insulation levels to optimise the BER achievable.

·        Owners of existing dwellings determine energy wastage and where practical improvements can be made.

·         Prospective buyers and tenants evaluate the BER of a building before purchasing/renting which has a large influence on determining the sale price of the property.

·         Developers/auctioneers market dwellings with high BER ratings as being low cost - energy efficient.

·         BER Certification means your property is environmentally friendly by means of reducing CO2 emmissions while reducing fuel bills.


How long will a BER certificate last?

10 years from date of issue, unless there are material changes to building affecting its energy performance.


Why Hayes Higgins Partnership?

At HHP we have a commitment to Sustainability. We believe that establishing Sustainability in the design stages can help avoid expensive alterations after the build is complete. Obtaining a BER certification plays a big part in this. At Hayes Higgins Partnership we have years of experience, are competitively priced and have the knowledge and expertise to advise you on the best way to receive the highest rating, saving you money in the long term.