The official method for carrying out a BER for a dwelling is the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP).  It consists of step by step calculations within a series of individual modules. 

The modules deal with:

• Ventilation
• Heat losses
• Domestic hot water
• Internal heat gains
• Solar heat gains
• Mean internal temperature
• Space heat use
• Space heating requirements
• Total energy use and fuel costs
• Energy emissions   

  The calculations emerging from these modules are combined to produce an overall calculation of annual energy demand and CO2 emissions.  The dwelling is then given a rating on a scale of A1 (best) to G (worst).  A detailed account of the standard BER procedure for Ireland is set out under the heading 'DEAP' in the SEI web site

Under the DEAP methodology, a new dwelling which meets the minimum standards as set out in the Building Regulations is likely to score the following ratings:

Apartment:  B3
House:    C1

In order to achieve higher ratings developers will be required to design dwellings which go above the minimum standards and which include energy efficient features such as condensing boilers, passive solar design, energy efficient glazing, increased insulation levels, renewable energy technologies, etc.

The DEAP methodology is based on standard occupancy assumptions and a range of technical judgements regarding the energy efficiency impact of various building components and attributes.  In practice the energy efficiency of a building will depend on how the occupants operate the building.  The BER for a dwelling may change over time due to many factors including deterioration or modification to the fabric of the building, changes to the heating systems incorporating into the building or changes to the way in which buildings are rated.

Implementation Dates

BERs are required in the following circumstances:

New Dwellings

A person offering a new dwelling for sale or letting (whether in writing or otherwise) is required to produce a copy of the BER to the building control authority for the area on demand and to any person expressing an interest in purchasing or renting the relevant building if planning permission was applied on or after 1st January 2007. Transitional BER exemptions will apply to new dwellings for which planning permission is applied on or before 31st December 2006, provided the new dwellings involved are substantially completed on or before 30th June 2008.

New Non-Residential Buildings

A person who offers a new building other than a dwelling, for sale or letting will be required to produce a copy of the BER to the building control authority on demand and to any person expressing an interest in purchasing or renting the relevant building if planning permission was applied for on or after 1st July 2008. Transitional BER exemptions will apply to new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission is applied on or before 30th June 2008 provided the new non-domestic buildings involved are substantially completed by 30th June 2010.

Existing Buildings (Dwellings and Non-Residential Buildings)

A person or their agent who offers a new or existing building for sale or letting on or after 1st January 2009 is required to produce a copy of the BER to the building control authority on demand and to any person expressing an interest in purchasing or renting the relevant building.

Therefore a BER Certificate is now required for all new buildings and all existing buildings offered for sale or rent

Exempted Buildings

Full details of exempt buildings can be found on the SEI Website and include the following:

• a new dwelling for which planning permission was applied for or a planning notice was published on or before 31st December 2006 and is substantially completed on or before 30th June 2008
• a new building other than a dwelling, for which planning permission is applied for or a planning notice was published on or before 30th June 2008 and is substantially completed on or before 30th June 2010 except where such a building is being offered for a second or subsequent letting
• National monuments
• Protected structures
• Temporary Building
• Places of worship

   

Further Information

  If you would like further advice on your current project  or tender please contact NuTech Renewables Ltd