Building Services Engineering Limited is among the first in
The New Building Regulations Part L
New European Energy Directive
The EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) is in effect as from January 2006. The full implementation of the directive has been introduced to cover both domestic and non-domestic building stock. It will be mandatory that all buildings will be assessed by competent building energy rating assessors and given an energy label ranging from A to G. Article 7 of this directive requires that
"When buildings are constructed, sold or rented out, an energy performance certificate must made available to the owner or by the owner to the prospective buyer or tenant".
Each European member state is responsible for their own interpretation of the directive and as a result the Irish Government published the new Approved Document L Conservation of fuel and power in dwellings and buildings other than dwelling. To show that the building has complied with the minimum standards the building will be issued with a Building Energy Rating (BER) and an Advisory Report containing recommendation for cost effective improvements to the energy performance of the building.
Building Regulations Compliance Check Part L
As a prerequisite to submitting an application for planning permission all new and exiting buildings must show that they meet the minimum energy standards as set out in the new Part L Technical Guidance Document. Our assessor will carry out a full Part L compliance check to ensure your plans comply with Part L and produce a Building Regulations Output Document that must accompany the planning application. This report demonstrates compliance with specific aspects of Part L of the Building Regulations. Compliance with all aspects of Part L is a legal requirement.
What is a BER?
A BER indicates the energy rating of a property. The BER is expressed in the form of performance bands "A" being the most efficient to "G" being the least energy efficient. A person who offers a new or existing building for sale or letting is required to produce a copy of the BER and Advisory Report to the building control authority on demand and to any person expressing an interest in purchasing or renting the relevant building.
A full BER is valid for 10 years provided that there have been no material changes to the building that could change the energy efficiency of the building. A provisional BER for new builds are valid for 2 years. Our BER Assessor can advise you on how to improve your energy rating adding value to your investment.
Advisory Report
An Advisory Report is required for all commercial buildings when offered for sale or letting. The Advisory report sets out recommendations for cost effective improvements to the energy performance of the building. There is no legal obligation on the vender or prospective purchaser to carry out the recommendations in the Advisory Report
Key Implementation Dates for Commercial Buildings
1. 1st of July 2008 a BER cert will be required for new non domestic buildings offered for sale or rent. Transitional BER exemptions will apply to new non domestic buildings for which planning permission is applied on or before 30th of June 2008 provided the new non-domestic buildings involved are substantially completed by 30th June 2010
2. 1st of January 2008 BER Certs will be required for any existing building offered for sale or rent.
3. There is a maximum fine of up to €5,000 for not having a BER cert when required
Building that do not require a BER
Some buildings are exempt form the regulations and do not require a BER certificate. Theses include
· National Monuments
· Protected structure such as listed or historical buildings
· Buildings used as a place of worship
· Industrial and Agriculture buildings with an installed heat capacity that does not exceed 10w/m2
· Stand alone buildings with a total floor area of less than 50m2
How much does a BER cost
The cost of a BER will vary from building to building depending on its complexity, weather it is a new build or an exiting building. Most buildings will be assessed using the approved National Calculation Methodology (SBEM) or also known as the Non-domestic Energy Assessment Procedure (NEAP). Other buildings may require more a sophisticated Building Simulation Software to carry out the assessment. No matter what level of complexity your building is Building Services Engineering Limited can provide professional service to meet your needs.
Contact us
If you would like to find out how Building Services Engineering Limited can help you with
· Comply with the Part L Regulations
· Provide you with your BER Certificate and Advisory Report
· Register your BER certificate with SEI
· Provide a full consultation
Please contact us on 01 6016434 or email us at ber@bse.ie
18 Beaufield Green, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Tel: 01 6016434