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A Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate is an official energy performance label for a home in Ireland, similar to the energy labels found on household appliances. It rates a property's energy efficiency and CO2 emissions on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Knowing the BER rating is crucial for homeowners and potential buyers or tenants as it provides insight into expected energy costs, carbon footprint, and the comfort level of the property. Since 2007, a BER certificate is mandatory for all new buildings, as well as properties being sold or rented in Ireland.

Understanding a property's BER rating is essential for several reasons. For homeowners, it offers valuable insights into the energy efficiency of their dwelling, helping them identify areas for potential energy upgrades to reduce bills and improve comfort. For prospective buyers, the BER rating serves as an indicator of future energy running costs and can influence their purchasing decisions and negotiation power. Similarly, for tenants, the BER rating helps in estimating their energy expenses before committing to a rental agreement. A higher BER rating can also increase the property's market value.

A BER rating is calculated using a standardised methodology called the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP), which is Ireland's official method. The calculation considers various aspects of the property, including the type of construction, levels of insulation in walls, roof, and floors, the efficiency of the heating and hot water systems, ventilation characteristics, lighting, and the use of any renewable energy sources. A registered BER assessor visits the property to conduct a thorough inspection and gather this data.

The BER scale in Ireland ranges from A to G, representing a spectrum of energy efficiency:

• A-rated homes (A1-A3) are the most energy-efficient, typically having the lowest energy bills and carbon emissions, and maintaining a comfortable environment with minimal energy input.
• B-rated homes (B1-B3) are also considered highly energy-efficient with low running costs.
• C-rated homes (C1-C3) represent a standard level of energy efficiency for Irish homes, often having medium energy bills. According to the CSO, C is the average rating of houses in Ireland.
• D, E, F, and G-rated properties are progressively less energy-efficient, leading to higher energy consumption, higher energy bills, and a larger carbon footprint. G-rated homes are the least efficient, often requiring significant energy to heat.

You can easily check if a property in Ireland already has a valid BER certificate by using the National BER Register, a helpful tool provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). To search the register, you will need either the property's Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), which is usually found on the top of your electricity bill, or an existing BER number that can be found on the BER certificate or advisory report. If the property is registered, you can view and download the BER certificate and advisory report. For properties being advertised for sale or rent, the BER rating should be clearly displayed in the advertisement.

If your property in Ireland does not have a BER certificate and you need one (for example, if you are selling or renting the property), you will need to hire a registered BER assessor to conduct an assessment. It is a legal requirement to have a valid BER certificate when a building is constructed, sold, or rented in Ireland since January 2007. The BER certificate must be available to prospective buyers or tenants before the property is placed on the market and must be included in all advertising. You also need a BER certificate if you are carrying out extensive works to your home.

To obtain a BER certificate, you need to hire a registered BER assessor. The assessor will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your property, examining various energy-related components and systems. Following the inspection, the assessor will use the DEAP software to calculate the BER rating. Once the calculation is complete, the assessor will provide you with a BER certificate and an advisory report. You can find a list of registered BER assessors in your area on the SEAI's national register of BER assessors. It is advisable to get quotes from at least three assessors before making a booking.

There is no set fee for a BER assessment in Ireland, and the cost can vary depending on several factors, including the size and type of your home and the time taken by the assessor to complete the inspection. As a general guideline, a BER assessment for an apartment might cost approximately €220, while the cost for a standard house, penthouse, or duplex could range between €260 and €300. These prices often include VAT and the SEAI registration charge, but it is always best to confirm this with the assessor beforehand. It's recommended to shop around and compare quotes from at least three different registered BER assessors to ensure you get the best value.

During a BER assessment, a registered BER assessor will visit your home and will need access to all areas, including the attic, hot press, ventilation systems, windows and doors, lighting, meter cupboards, and heating systems and controls. The assessor will conduct a thorough inspection and survey of your property, taking measurements, noting the types and condition of various elements (e.g., heating system, insulation, windows), and may also take photographic evidence. The process usually takes between 30 minutes to one hour and a half, depending on the size and complexity of your home. The assessor will gather information on aspects such as the year the property was built, insulation levels, heating and hot water systems, ventilation, and any renewable energy technologies.

A standard BER certificate in Ireland is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. However, a new BER assessment is required if material changes are made to the property that could significantly impact its energy performance. These changes might include a house extension, a significant change in the layout, or the installation of a new heating system. In such cases, the existing BER certificate may no longer accurately reflect the building's current energy performance. Provisional BER certificates, which are often based on plans for unbuilt homes, have a maximum validity of 2 years.

Certain types of buildings in Ireland are exempt from the requirement of having a BER certificate when being sold or rented. These typically include:
◦ National monuments
◦ Protected structures or proposed protected structures
◦ Places of worship or buildings used for religious activities
◦ Certain temporary buildings
◦ Industrial buildings not intended for extended human occupancy with a low installed heating capacity (≤10 W/m2)
◦ Non-residential agricultural buildings with a low installed heating capacity (≤10 W/m2)
◦ Stand-alone buildings with a small useful floor area (<50m2).

Improving your home's BER rating can lead to significant energy savings and increased comfort. Common areas for improvement include:

• Upgrading insulation in the attic, walls (external, cavity, internal), and floors. Experts suggest that attic insulation is often the best starting point as a significant portion of heat loss occurs through the roof.
• Improving heating systems and controls, such as upgrading an old boiler to a more efficient condensing boiler or installing a heat pump, and installing modern heating controls and thermostatic radiator valves.
• Replacing or upgrading windows and doors to more energy-efficient options, such as triple-glazed windows and well-sealed composite doors.
• Switching to energy-saving light bulbs, like LED bulbs.
• Investing in renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels for electricity or hot water. The BER advisory report provided with your certificate will offer specific recommendations tailored to your home.

Yes, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers various home energy upgrade grants to eligible homeowners. Typically, to be eligible for these grants, the house must have been built and occupied before 2006, and its existing BER rating usually needs to be lower than a B. The grants can provide financial assistance for a range of upgrades, including insulation, heating system upgrades (like heat pumps), solar panels, and window and door replacements. Homeowners can potentially receive funding of up to 35% off the cost of their home energy upgrade project, with a maximum grant amount. More details on eligibility criteria, eligible upgrades, and the application process can be found on the SEAI website. There is also a Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme offering low-interest rates for energy efficiency improvements.

A good BER rating can be a factor considered by some home insurance providers in Ireland. For example, Irish insurance companies routinely offer a 5% to 10% discount to homeowners with a BER rating of A or B. Investing in energy-efficient upgrades that improve your home's BER rating can therefore not only reduce your energy bills and carbon emissions but may also result in lower home insurance premiums, providing an additional financial incentive for making these improvements. It is worth checking with your insurance provider to see if they offer any discounts based on the BER rating of your property.

In Ireland, the BER Regulations (SI 243/2012) stipulate several legal requirements concerning BER certificates for properties being sold or rented. All buildings that are constructed, sold, or rented must have a valid BER certificate and an advisory report. It is the responsibility of the landlord or property owner to obtain a BER certificate. Furthermore, all advertisements for sales and rental properties must include the BER rating in a prominent location. Prospective tenants and buyers have the right to request a copy of the BER certificate and advisory report. Enforcement of these requirements is the responsibility of each local Building Control Authority.

When advertising properties for sale or rent in Ireland, the BER rating (A1-G) must be displayed prominently in each specific advertisement44 . Depending on the type of advertisement (e.g., newspaper, magazine, brochure, internet), specific content is prescribed in the BER Advertising Guidelines. This may include:

• The BER Alphanumeric Rating Motif (the BER emblem with the rating) - often mandatory for display advertisements, brochures, and posters.
• The BER Alphanumeric Rating Text (e.g., "BER: B3") - often mandatory for text ads and mobile/tablet app property index pages.
• The BER Number (nine-digit number from the certificate) - often mandatory for brochures, leaflets, and property details pages online.
• The Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) (kWh/m2/yr) - often mandatory for brochures, leaflets, and property details pages online. Estate agents and landlords can download artwork files for displaying the BER rating correctly from the SEAI website.

To prepare your home for a BER assessment, you should take the following steps:

• Find a SEAI-registered BER assessor in your area and get quotes from a few.
• Gather all relevant paperwork, including your MPRN number (from your electricity bill), details of any previous BER assessments, proof of the year your home was constructed and of any extensions, information on your home's heating sources, certification information for windows and doors (if available), and results of any air tightness tests.
• Ensure the assessor will have safe and unobstructed access to all areas of your home, including the attic, hot press, and any outbuildings that are part of the dwelling.
• Make sure that any energy upgrade works are completed prior to the assessment, and have documentation ready to support these upgrades. Providing the assessor with accurate information and access will help them conduct a thorough assessment and potentially result in a more accurate BER rating.

The BER advisory report is a document that accompanies the BER certificate and provides valuable information and recommendations on how to improve the energy efficiency and BER rating of your property. The updated advisory report from June 2021 offers a personalised roadmap for homeowners aiming to upgrade their home to a target of a B2 energy rating or better. It includes:

• Colour-coded performance indicators showing the current status and potential after recommended upgrades.
• A recommended package of upgrades to achieve a B2 rating or better, often following a 'fabric-first' approach (prioritising insulation and building fabric).
• Approximate cost indicators and grant availability for individual upgrades.
• Clearer, more targeted advice on simple measures to improve energy efficiency. The advisory report is tailored to your home and serves as a first step in planning energy upgrades with professionals.

The Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) is the official, standardised methodology used in Ireland to calculate the Building Energy Rating (BER) of a dwelling. It is a bespoke software tool that automatically calculates the energy losses for a dwelling, resulting in a BER energy rating. DEAP takes into account various factors related to a building's energy performance, such as its construction type, insulation, heating and ventilation systems, lighting, and renewable energy sources. The framework is based on IS EN 13790 and draws heavily on the calculations and data used for energy rating of dwellings. DEAP ensures a consistent and objective assessment of energy performance, allowing for fair comparison between different properties.

A provisional BER (Building Energy Rating) is an energy efficiency rating issued for a property that is not yet built. It is based on the planned specifications and design of the building.

A Provisional BER is typically required when selling or renting a property off-plan (before construction is completed). It provides an estimated energy rating based on the proposed materials and systems.

A Provisional BER remains valid for 2 years or until the building is completed. Once construction is finished, the property must receive a Final BER Certificate based on an actual inspection