Building Energy Rating

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

The Kyoto Protocol is an international initiative aimed at reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere and the protection of the environment through various policies and directives.  As a member of the EU, Ireland has signed up to the protocol.

What is the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EBRD)?

This Government directive comes into force in Ireland in 2007 to aid our compliance with the Kyoto agreement and the EU legislation.  Of particular relevance to us are the regulations to improve the energy performance of buildings.  They aim to reduce the use of fossil fuels and increase the retention of heat provided to the occupier in turn reducing the release of greenhouse gasses.  It will be necessary to measure the energy efficiency for all buildings so that the energy efficiency can be promoted and monitored.

What does his mean to you?

Every home owner will be required to obtain a building energy rating (BER) certificate if they intend to sell or rent their house.  This will make it easier for prospective buyers or renters to calculate how efficient their property will be to heat.  This in turn means that a house with a low energy rating will be worth more money that those with higher energy rating.

All Kelly Timber Frame homes already have low energy ratings because they

are highly efficient to produce because they use less cement, and              

are so efficient and economical to heat over their lifetime.

What is an energy rating certificate?

The certificate will show the energy performance of your house: how quickly your house looses heat  through the walls, windows, doors, roof etc.  This will probably be shown as U Values which show the number of Watts (W) of heat lost through the surface of one square metre (M2).  Trained and certified assessors will provide the BER Certificates.

Further detailed information is available at SEI - Sustainable Energy Ireland website includes a U-Value calculator.

When will this happen?

From 1st January 2007 - All new Dwellings must have a BER

From 1st January 2008 - All new buildings must have been BER. 

From 1st January 2009 - All existing dwellings and other existing buildings must have a BER when offered for sale or rental.

Benefits of a Timber Frame House

Building in timber frame is one of the most effective ways to ensure your new house achieves a low U-Value to help improve its' value.  Timber frame with standard insulation methods can almost halve your heating bills compared to traditional building methods and if you couple timber frame with some of the modern heating and insulation methods you can achieve very low heating costs.

Given the unpredictability of future energy costs, building timber frame is an investment you cannot afford to ignore.  It will retain its' market value, it will save you money on fuel bills but and it will ensure a low U-rating.  Timber frame building costs are similar to less efficient traditional methods but you gain all these added benefits.