The BER Scheme was initiated by the EU and here Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is the issuing authority.
A Building Energy Regulation certificate is a measure of the energy efficiency of a residential or commercial property (similar to the label on your fridge). With every certificate issued, an advisory report identifying how you can increase the properties efficiency.
What does it cost?
There are no fixed fees, so shop around.
Who can carry out a BER assessment?
It must be done by an SEI trained and registered assessor.
How long is it valid for?
10 years, unless: there is a material change to the property which affect it’s performance, or: a provisional cert has a maximum life of 2 years.
What good is it?
A seller or landlord must make a valid BER rating available to prospective buyers or tenants. It allows a prospective purchaser or tenant take the property’s energy effiency into account when making their decision. Basically, the higher the rating, the less it will cost to heat. Your CO2 emissions will be lower also.