Building Energy Rating Certificates are now required for all new buildings. Any
building which got planning permission since 1st January 2010 has to have a BER
Certificate immediately. From 1st July 2008 all new dwellings, regardless of
when planning permission was granted require a Certificate.
From 1st January 2009 all new and existing domestic dwellings, regardless of
age, will have to have a BER Certificate when offered for sale or rental.
Solicitors whether acting for a buyer or a seller will require a BER
Certificate as part of the conveyancing documentation.
It follows that the requirements will arise at planning permission stage. All
successful applicants getting planning permission will have to undertake the
structural air-tightness test to determine the air permeability of a building.
If the performance is unsatisfactory, remedial work will have to be undertaken.
Copies of the air-tightness test will have to be provided by the developer or
builder to the end user.
A reasonable minimum proportion of the energy consumption to meet the energy
performance of a dwelling is to be provided by renewable energy sources. The
renewable energy sources are those that supply energy derived from renewable
sources such as solar thermal systems, biomass systems, systems using bio-fuels,
heat pumps and aero generators.
A number of professionals have set up new departments to deal with the
provision of BER Certificates and to provide BER Testing on behalf of
builders/developers and the one off client.
The rating of a building and the nature of its energy supply will have an
effect on the purchase or sale price achieved for the property and also on the
rental value obtained. As such, it has become a significant consideration in
construction and in dealing with property.
Information is available from Sustainable Energy Ireland on the Energy
Ratings and the responsibilities that people have under the legislation.
