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All homes for sale or rent in Ireland must have Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificates.
The BER rating is similar to the energy label applied to many electrical appliances, and operates on a scale of A to G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and G the least efficient. As well as a BER Certificate, an registered assessor is obliged to provide an Advisory Report, which will help to identify how a home owner might improve the energy performance of his home. Under the new regulations, a seller must provide a BER to prospective buyers or tenants when a home is built, sold or rented, if planning permission was applied for on or after 01.01.07, and in all homes for sale or rent on or after 01.01.09. Certain categories of building are excempted (such as protected structures and certain temporary buildings). A fine of up to € 5,000 may be payable for non-compliance.
The BER Assessment is based on the characteristics and major components of the dwelling as well as the construction type and levels of insulation, ventilation and air tightness features, the systems for heat supply. It covers annual energy use for space heating and other uses A BER Certificate is valid for up to 10 years provided there is no material change to the dwelling that could affect its energy performance. A Provisional BER certificate may be issued for homes that not been built, based on the drawings and specifications. This provisional Certificate has a maximum validity of 2 years. Certificates may only be issued by registered BER Assessors who have been trained under the National Framework of Qualifications and have registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). BER Assessors adhere to the Code of Conduct provided by Sustainable Energy Ireland (www.sei.ie). José Ospina is qualified and registered with SEI to carry out Assessments on both new and existing properties.
To download more information on BER and the services offered by José click HERE.