BER Certification

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) came into effect in Ireland on January 1st, 2007. The EPBD is a legal requirement stating that all EU countries must provide a BER Certificate and Advisory Report for all buildings constructed, sold or rented out.

It is being implemented in a phased manner. The Irish time table is as follows;

January 2007	BER for new dwellings
July 2008	BER for non-residential buildings Display of BER in new public service buildings Inspections of boilers and air conditioning systems
January 2009	BER for existing dwellings BER for existing non-residential buildings Display of BER in existing public service buildings

The Building Regulations have integrated the EPBD into TGD Part L (2005), Conservation of Fuel and Energy.

TGD (Technical Guidance Document) Part L sets out to ‘…limit the use of fossil fuel energy and related CO₂ emissions arising from the operation of buildings, while ensuring that occupants can achieve adequate levels of lighting and thermal comfort.’

Click here to access Technical Guidance Documents from the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government.

The provisions within TGD Part L for compliance are as follows;

CO₂ Emission Rate (CDER) must be less than the Maximum Permitted CO₂ Emission Rate (MPCDER).
Specified maximum heat loss (elemental or overall) limits through the building fabric.
Adequate heating controls.

A BER certificate indicates the energy efficiency of a building. It is calculated using official DEAP software issued by SEI. The DEAP calculation determines;

Annual energy usage (kWh/m²/year)
CO2 emissions ( kgCO₂/m²/year) - illustrating compliance with TGD Part L
Elemental and Overall Heat Loss Compliance - illustrating compliance with TGD Part L

There are 15 bands rating the best at an A1 and the worst at a G. Ratings are calculated using measurements and construction details from design plans and specifications, coupled with information on the space and water heating, lighting and ventilation systems.

Click to view and enlarge a BER Certificate.

We recommend that a BER is conducted at the early design stage, as this allows an opportunity to investigate in a cost effective way, measures to achieve the highest energy rating for your building.

BER Certificates and Advisory Reports can only be issued by qualified accredited assessors who are registered with SEI.