Non Domestic Building Energy Ratings (BER)
BET are registered with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to carry out commercial & domestic building energy ratings. Our BER assessors hold honours degrees in Building Services/Sustainability Engineering and previously worked with some of Ireland’s leading engineering consultants. This gives a real understanding and knowledge of the complex thermal performance of buildings which we believe is essential in providing an effective and value for money service to our clients. Since the introduction of the BER scheme, BET have carried out thousands of domestic and non domestic BER’s, from one off residential dwellings to large developments, from shopfronts to universities.
BET engineers are well versed in all aspects of building energy rating from U-values to heating & ventilation systems as well as all relevant building regulations and will work with you to deliver your low energy building in full compliance with building regulations TGD Part L, including new ‘nZEB’ regulations.
What is a Building Energy Rating?
The BER is a measure of the overall energy performance of a building. A Building Energy Rating is affected mainly by;
- The quality of construction (for example airtightness of the building fabric),
- The method of ventilation (Natural or Mechanical)
- The materials used in construction of the building
- Levels of thermal insulation. (U Values of windows, doors, walls and roof )
- The type of lighting systems and light fittings
- The type of heating system (Controls & overall Efficiency)
- Solar gains into the building
- The inclusion of different renewable energy technologies
A provisional BER is calculated at the design stage from drawings. This is an essential in providing feedback to the designers.
A final BER is calculated on completion of the building works and forms the basis for the BER issued for the building.
What is a Part L Compliance?
Part L compliance refers to demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document Part L – Buildings other than Dwellings (TGD Part L). TGD Part L is the section of the building regulations which addresses conservation of fuel and energy within dwellings and all new buildings must comply with these regulations.
BET are experts in this area of building regulations and can advise you on the most suitable route to compliance for your project. Buildings which commence before the 1st of January 2019 are subject to TGD Part L 2009, and those which commence afterwards are under TDG Part L 2017 or what is commonly known as the ‘nZEB’ (nearly zero energy building) standard. No matter which regulations apply to your project, BET have the tools and experience to ensure that you get the advice and service required to ensure that you deliver a compliant building.