Building Energy Rating Assessment
Greentec Eco Homes will calculate your BER and demonstrate how to future proof your home. By carrying out a BER on your dwelling at planning/completion stage you will be issued with a certificate and advisory report, which will advise you of the options, you may have of improving your rating.
BER Certificate
What is a 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.
From 1st January 2009, a BER certificate will be compulsory for all homes being sold or rented. 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.
How is a BER Calculated
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:
- Primary energy use per unit floor area per year (kWh/Msq/yr) represented on an A to G scale.
- Associated Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions in kgCO2/Msq/yr)
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. 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.
What are the benefits of a BER
A BER makes the energy performance of a home visible to prospective buyers and tenants and enables them to take energy performance into consideration in their next house purchase or rental decision.
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