BUILDING ENERGY RATINGS & THERMAL IMAGING
Biosystems Engineering Ltd offers a tailored and attractive package for clients who require BER Certs for their property (existing or new build). A BER (Building Energy Rating) indicates the energy rating of a property. It is similar to the energy label for a household electrical appliance like your fridge. The label has a scale of A-G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and G the least efficient.
To see what a Building Energy Rating Certificate looks like please click HERE
All new homes (even when not for sale) must have a BER certificate before they are occupied as detailed under the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations S.I. 666 of 2006. Please click HERE for more info.
BER assessments performed on new dwellings will also help determine compliance to Part L of the Building Regulations.
For more information on the Legislation and Background to BERs please click the following link
http://www.sei.ie/Your_Building/BER/Legislation_and_Background/
Key Implementation Dates
- Since the 1st of January 2007, all new homes for which planning permission has being applied for must have a BER cert. Transitional BER exemptions will apply to new dwellings for which planning permission is applied on or before 31st of December 2006, where new dwellings involved are substantially completed on or before the 30th of June 2008.
- 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 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.
- 1st of January 2008 BER Certs will be required for any existing building offered for sale or rent.
- There is a maximum fine of up to €5,000.00 for not having a BER cert when required.
There are basically two types of BER certificates that potentially apply for new dwellings:
Provisional BER Certificates
A Provisional Cert is valid for two years and must be shown to prospective house buyers. It's aim is to accompany the planning application and also allow buildings to be sold from the construction plans. Once the house is built then a BER survey and cert can be carried out with a site survey to back up the Provisional Cert.
BER Certificates
BER Certs are valid for ten years and apply to new and existing dwellings for sale or rent.
The newly announced Home Energy Saving Scheme by SEI offer grants of up to €200 for BER certs.
http://www.sei.ie/Grants/Home_Energy_Saving_Scheme/
What is Thermal Imaging (Thermography)?
Using a specialist infrared camera it is possible to see patterns of heat loss invisible to the naked eye. It allows the user to visualise and measure energy and heat loss through the fabric of a building. Different temperatures omit different radiation which is picked up as contrasting colours by the camera. This technology can be used to pinpoint heat loss through roofs, walls, windows and doors. Using a thermal Imaging survey can provide the client with professional advice to improve the performance of the building and to identify and rectify existing problems more efficiently and effectively.
Who can benefit from Thermal Imaging?
Thermal imaging is of use to contractors, architects and building owners. It is used to assess the quality of construction details and to identify existing problems. If used on behalf of a property owner it can lead to reduced energy bills and improved thermal comfort.
Why use Thermal Imaging?
Thermal Imaging can highlight:
- Poor or missing insulation
- Air Leakage, which results in unwanted heat loss.(EG poor seals to windows)
- Lack of air movement, this can result in condensation and mould growth
- Leaks. Thermal Imaging can isolate and identify moisture intrusion invisible to the naked eye
Contact: Dr Ger Devlin by email
T +353-(0)1-716 7418 Skype gjdevlin
