COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 13, 2010

QUESTION NO.2

QUESTION: Councillor S. Crowe

To ask the Manager does the Building Energy Regulation (BER) Cert for newly allocated housing stock include the need for quality windows and at what grade of windows are  relets being given?

REPLY:

A Building Energy Rating (BER) is an indication of the energy performance of a building.  It covers energy use for space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting calculated on the basis of standard occupancy.  A good energy efficiency, in broad terms, is based on how well insulated the envelope of the dwelling is and the efficiency of the heating system.  If improvements are carried out which affect the buildings insulation or heating system then the BER rating will improve. 

A BER is similar to the energy label for a household electrical appliance like a fridge.  The label has a scale ranging from A to G. A- rated homes are the most energy efficient and will tend to have the lowest energy bills.  The BER does not set a minimum or desirable standard for elements of insulation or heating efficiency e.g. through specifying particular quality windows/insulation standards.  These are factors which are covered by the particular Building Regulations in force at the time of construction.

When houses are being re let the windows are inspected and replaced where and when necessary.  Double glazed windows are always used for replacement.  However, if the windows are not in a bad condition they are not replaced even if they are single glazed.  It is estimated that we replace approximately 75% of windows in relets.