Building Energy Rating – What is it and why you might need it

Building Energy Rating: The Building Sector 

We spend around 90% of our whole life indoors. It is everything from our own homes to our workplace and the place we are born. In Ireland, construction and the built environment are directly responsible for 37% of the national emissions. To put that in perspective, the average Irish dwelling emitted 47% more energy-related CO2 than the average EU dwelling in 2020 (Source: Eurostat) with oil remaining the dominant fuel in the residential sector. 

Emissions in the building sector come from all phases of the construction process, from material production processes, to building designs, construction practices, and energy use after projects are completed. These emissions can be grouped into operational emissions (related to operating and maintaining buildings and structures) which in Ireland account for two thirds of total emissions, and embodied emissions (related to producing and transporting building materials and constructing buildings and structures) which account for the remaining one third. 

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) 

In order to address these emissions the European Union’s 2023 revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) supports the objective of achieving climate neutrality in the buildings sector by 2050 by requiring zero emissions for all new public buildings from 2026 and all new buildings from 2028, and is tightening standards for existing buildings over time. 

While embodied emissions can only be addressed for non-existing buildings, operational emissions can be avoided also by existing buildings. There first step consists of understanding how energy is consumed in buildings. Collecting data on energy by end-use is much harder than doing it by fuel type. For example, it is not possible to know from an electricity meter reading how much electricity is used for water heating versus appliances. To address operational emissions instead, it is important to know the portion of energy consumed for the main end-uses, such as space heating, water heating, cooking, lighting, and electric appliances. That is where the building energy rating (BER) comes in. 

Building Energy Rating: The BER Certificate

The Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate indicates the annual primary energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions associated with the provision of space heating, water heating, ventilation, and lighting to the facility. The calculation is based on the number of occupants and the levels and duration of heating/hot water demand, with the rating being based on the building itself, not the usage by the occupants themselves.

The BER Certificate rates a building’s energy performance on a scale from A to G. A-rated buildings are the most energy efficient and so tend to have the lowest bills, whilst G-rated are the least efficient, requiring a lot more energy, and consequently have higher bills.

Since the 1st of July 2008, Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificates have been required for all new non-domestic buildings offered for sale or rent, and since the 1st of January 2009, BERs are required for all existing commercial buildings offered for sale or letting. A BER assessment report is now a mandatory requirement for an EXEED grant. This update aligns with the latest text of the General Block Exemption Regulation text.

The BER certificate is fundamental to understand the operational emissions associated with a building and provides insights on efficient alternatives that could allow to access a higher BER grade. Even a small difference in BER grades can significantly impact heating costs and environmental impact.

Whether you are in the process of buying or selling a property, or simply aiming to cut costs and enhance energy efficiency, the BER certificate provides valuable insights into the improvements your property might need, which Climeaction now offers as a comprehensive service.