Building Energy Rating Assessment
Kiersey Walker & Associates is a company that provides Building Energy Ratings (BER) for domestic homes in Ireland. Our aim is to provide a professional and efficient service in relation to all building energy rating issues.
A BER is an indication of the energy performance of a home. It covers energy use for space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting calculated on the basis of standard occupancy.
A BER 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 will tend to have the lowest energy bills.
From the 1st of January 2009, a BER certificate became compulsory for all homes being sold or offered for rent. If you are buying or renting a house or apartment, you are entitled to a BER so ask the seller, landlord or agent for it. There is a maximum fine of up to €5,000.00 for not having a BER cert when required.
Along with the BER Cert you we will be provided with a detailed report which will outline whether or not the house is complying with the building regulations (in terms of energy efficiency).
This will include details such as:
- Property and Assessor Details
- Property Dimensions
- Ventilation Details
- Building Elements
- Water Heating
- Lighting and Internal Gains
- Net Space Heat Demand
- Distribution System Losses and Gains
- Energy Requirements
- Summer Internal Temperature
A BER for a building will be valid for 10 years from the date of it being issued, unless there is a material change in the building 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.
