Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate in Ireland , Donegal, MCM Associates, TJ McMenmain

New dwellings: The regulations apply to new dwellings for which planning permission was applied for on or after 1st January 2007. Exemptions will apply to new dwellings for which planning permission is applied on or before 31st December 2006, where the new dwellings involved are substantially completed on or before 30th June 2008.

New Non-Domestic Buildings: The regulations apply to new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission was applied for on or after 1st July 2008. Exemptions will apply to new non-domestic buildings for which planning permission is applied on or before 30th June 2008 provided the new non-domestic buildings involved are substantially completed by 30th June 2010.

Existing Buildings (Dwellings and Non-Residential Buildings): A compulsory report is required for all private dwellings and other buildings when offered for sale or letting on or after 1st January 2009. A person who offers a new or existing building for sale or letting is required to produce a copy of the report to the building control authority on demand and to any person expressing an interest in purchasing or renting the relevant building.

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was transposed into Irish Law on the 4th of January 2006. It requires that when a building is constructed, sold or rented a Building Energy Rating (BER) detailing its energy consumption be made available to the prospective buyers or tenants. A BER gives an objective scale of comparison for the energy demands and energy performance of a building. It is like the rating system currently used for electrical appliances in that each building will be rated on a scale from A to G, with A representing the most energy efficient and G the least. The BER rating will be presented in the form of a BER certificate which will be valid for 10 years.

The BER scheme is being introduced on a phased basis as per the attached timetable. It applies only at the point of sale, whether that is off plans for new buildings (provisional BER) or for completed construction. The scheme has been introduced and is currently implemented by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), a statutory authority set up by the government in 2002 with the remit of promoting the development of sustainable energy. The BER and accompanying advisory report may only be produced by a trained BER assessor who is registered with SEI.

Our assessors at MCM Associates - Architecture & Surveying - are Co. Donegal premiers BER Assessors , for Building Energy Rate Certification, and are not only trained and registered as prescribed by SEI, but also have a depth of experience in the use of renewable and sustainable technologies predating this scheme. We have the knowledge and experience to guide you on the design and built elements that contribute to a high rating and on cost effective improvements.