15.01.10 - Building Energy Rating - One Year On
Almost 90,000 homes have been assessed through the Building Energy Rating (BER) scheme since legislation enacted 12 months ago required all dwellings put up for sale or rent to have an energy rating.
Since January 1 2009, secondhand homes may not be sold or rented without a BER certificate. New homes and non-residential buildings have required BER certificates since 2007.
Under the scheme, energy ratings are graded on a sliding scale. An A1 rating is awarded to the most energy-efficient homes, while a G rating is given to the worst. It is estimated that almost a million of the country’s 1.7 million housing stock have an energy rating of D or lower. Of the more than 68,000 secondhand houses rated last year, 56 per cent attained a BER of D or worse.
The BER scheme is part of the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and is designed to lower carbon emissions and give prospective inhabitants an idea of a property’s energy performance and how much it costs to light and heat.
Of the assessments conducted in 2009, the majority of secondhand dwellings gained a D2 rating, while the majority of new dwellings were awarded a B3 rating. The cost of an assessment ranges from €220 to €250 for a standard two or three-bedroom property.
Potential homeowners and renters should be able to see how energy efficient a property is, because it will have a direct impact on energy costs. There can be substantial saving in energy costs between a B rated house and a D rated house so a BER Certificate will help potential owners make an informed decision when purchasing a new home.
Building control officers in local authorities are responsible for ensuring compliance with the legislation however,
Estate agents also have an obligation to ensure properties they rent or sell on behalf of vendors, have a BER.
Failure to comply with the BER scheme can result in a €5,000 fine and enforcement is likely to be a bigger issue for the rental sector in the future.
For more information about Building Energy Rating, please visit www.sei.ie
