Building Energy Rating (BER)

The Building Energy Rating Certificate (BER) is part of the Energy Performance of Buildings EU Directive. The aim of the Directive is to make the energy performance of a building transparent and available to potential purchasers or tenants.

Our services include the Building Energy Rating assessments for both Dwellings and Non Dwellings. Our BER services are especially beneficial when utilised at the Pre-planning stage. We take a value engineering approach, which allows the alternative options for improved energy ratings and Part L Compliance to be budgeted and compared. In many cases this leads to a low cost, passive design solution.

BER Certificates

A building energy rating certificate is issued after the BER has been carried out.

Preliminary BER Certificates can be provided using a Simplified Building Energy Model which gives a quick turnaround assessment at the pre-planning stage. For complex buildings that involve atria, natural ventilation and complex building structures, we use an integrated environmental simulation which allows much a more advanced computer simulation of the building.

In all cases, the Building Energy Rating will be accompanied by a detailed report. The report identifies building improvements and investment options for the client to improve the building performance and reduce running costs. 

Building computer simulation

The building is constructed within a computer programme so the energy performance can be modelled. This provides the facility for the following:

Pre-planning

Preliminary building assessment and advice on the energy implications of the following:

• Building orientation and implications on solar gain and heat loss
• Glazing rations and implications on natural ventilation and day-lighting
• Floor depths and implications on natural ventilation
• Issue of preliminary Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate
• Assessment of possible renewable energy solutions & associated planning information

Post-planning

Detailed building assessment to highlight the impact of material selection and construction details on energy consumption:

• Predicted annual energy consumption
• Assessment of material selections and product substitution and its associated impact on energy usage and compliance
• Daylight analysis and its interface with lighting control systems to minimise the use of artificial light
• Design of naturally ventilated buildings