A Home’s Energy Efficiency Through BER

Recently, it comes to my attention that even buildings bear their own energy efficiency system.  All I thought is that only appliances need this to be called standardized.  Now even building must bear their energy certificate known as BER certificate.

But first, what is BER?

Building Energy Rating or BER is an energy efficiency grade issued to know the building’s energy performance. The calculation, issued by qualified controller or assessor has an A to G rating scale to determine the energy standard.

Why BER?

By checking the building’s energy efficiency, landlords or owners will know if their building needs improvement in order to save energy and money.

A BER Certificate shows it all

Registered BER assessors, after thorough surveys and test will issue a BER certificate that will determine the energy level of the building.  Using a scale of A-G, with A as the most efficient, buyers or possible renters will understand what is the status of the energy efficiency of the building. BER cert is like the energy label of the home appliances. The certificate shows the name and address of the building, BER number, date of issue and expiration, its BER assessor number and the company number of BER assessor.

Passing the energy efficiency

I understand that there is no pass or fail in the BER cert of the building. Make sure to talk to a licensed BER assessor on advising on things you can do to make your home more efficient. Sometimes, these improvements have incentive grants from the Sustainable Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

Tips for buyers or renters

·         Check if the property you’re interested in buying or renting has a BER cert.

·         Be reminded that houses or apartments constructed after January 1, 2007 must have a BER cert.

·         If they are sold or rented after January 1, 2009, the owner must also present a BER cert.

BER cert has a validity of 10 years.  If the building already has a BER cert, and the owner decides to make changes or reconstruction, they need to apply for another BER test and survey.  And another BER cert will be issued pertaining to the present standard of the building.