Building_Energy

BER what is it?

A BER is similar to the energy label for a household
electrical appliance like your fridge. The label has a scale
of A-G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and
G the least efficient.

A BER certificate will be compulsory for almost all new
homes by mid 2008. If you are buying or renting a new
house or apartment now, you may already be entitled to
a BER - so do ask the seller/landlord or their agent for it.

From the 1st of January 2009 a BER certificate will be
compulsory for all homes being sold or rented.

How is a BER Assessed?

A BER is based on the characteristics of major components
of the dwelling (wall, roof and floor dimensions, window
and door sizes and
orientations) as well as the construction type and levels
of insulation, ventilation and air tightness features, the
systems for heat supply
(including renewable energy), distribution and control,
and the type of lighting. It covers annual energy use for
space heating, water heating, ventilation, lighting and
associated pumps and fans, calculated on the basis of a
notional standard family with a standard pattern of
occupancy.
The energy performance is expressed as:
(a) primary energy use per unit floor area per year
(kWh/m2/yr) represented on an A to G scale (see BER
certificate); and (b) associated Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
emissions in kgCO2/m2/yr
(see BER Certificate)
A BER is only an indication of the energy performance of
a house. Actual energy usage will depend on how the
occupants operate the
house. In that way it is similar to the concept of a fuel
economy (miles per gallon or litres per 100 km) rating for
a car. A BER does not cover electricity used for purposes
other than heating, lighting, pumps and fans, i.e. does
not include for cooking, refrigeration, laundry etc.