PLATINUM ENERGY BER Explained
WHAT IS BER?
A Building Energy Rating or BER is similar to the energy label on your fridge, with a scale of A – G. "A" rated homes are the most energy efficient and "G" the least efficient. A BER certificate was made compulsory for all new homes from mid 2008. Existing dwellings and commercial property for sale or rent on or after 1st January 2009 will require a BER certificate.
Along with the BER certificate you will also receive an advisory report which will help you to identify how you might improve the energy performance of your home or building.
HOW IS A BER CALCULATED?
A BER is based on the characteristics of major components of the dwelling ( wall, roof & floor dimensions, window & door sizes & orientations ) as well as, the construction type and level of insulations , ventilations and air tightness features, the system 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:
Primary energy use per unit floor area per year ( KWh / m2 / yr ) represented on an A – G scale.
And associated carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) emissions in kgCO2 /m2 / yr
A BER is only an indication of the energy performance of a houses actual energy usage which will depend on how the occupants operate the house. In that way it is similar to the concept of a fuel economy ( litres per 100km ) rating for a car.
A BER does not cover electricity used for purposes other than heating , lighting, pumps and fans ie…does not include for cooking, refrigeration, laundry etc…
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BER?
A BER makes the energy performance of a home / building visable to prospective buyers and tenants and enables them to take energy performance into consideration in their purchase or rental decision.
EXAMPLE BER CERT
