BUILDING ENERGY RATING (BER)

What is a BER?

A BER cert and accompanying advisory report is an indication of the energy performance of a home. Your house is rated for efficiency just like your washing machine/dish washer etc from A to G. A being most efficient and G being least efficient. It covers energy use for space heating, ventillation and lighting calculated on the basis of standard occupancy.

Who needs a BER?

In the Republic of Ireland, each new dwelling built from 1st of January 2007 is required to have a BER.

How long is a BER valid?

A provisional BER Cert is valid for 2 Years.

If I get a poor BER rating do I need to make improvements?  

No. The purpose of the BER cert is to provide the buyer or tenant with information  regarding the energy efficiency of the dwelling so they can make an informed choice  about which house to rent or buy.

How can I improve my BER?  

You will be issued with an accompanying advisory report. This report outlines  recommendations  as to what you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your  home.  

How long does a BER take?

The onsite assessment takes approx one hour, the BER assessor completes the rating and submits it to SEAI to have it entered on the national BER register and produces a BER cert. The cert is usually posted to the householder within a couple of days.