Building emission rate BER
The Building Regulations set out requirements for specific aspects of building design and construction. Regulation 26 of the building regulations states that “Where a building is erected, it shall not exceed the target CO2 emission rate for the building…”,
The target CO2 emission rate (TER) sets a minimum allowable standard for the energy performance of a building and is defined by the annual CO2 emissions of a notional building of the same size and shape to the proposed building. TER is expressed in annual kg of CO2 per m2.
The actual building emission rate (BER) for the proposed building (other than dwellings) is calculated based on its actual specification and is expressed in terms of its annual CO2 emissions of the proposed building expressed in kg/m2. The emission rate for self-contained dwellings and individual flats (excluding common areas) is determined using a different calculation, the dwelling emission rate (DER)
The BER for the proposed building must not exceed the TER.
Before construction begins, a design stage calculation must be issued to the Building Control Body (BCB), setting out the TER, and BER for the proposed building, along with details of its proposed specification.
Within 5 days of the completion of the construction, a report must be issued to the Building Control Body (BCB), setting out the TER, and BER of the completed building, along with any changes that have been made to the specification, and an energy performance certificate (EPC). These ‘as-built’ calculations require that an air-permeability test is carried out to ensure that the building envelope has been constructed to a suitably high level of workmanship so that air (and with it, heat) will not ‘leak’ through the building fabric. In addition, the BCB is likely to require a commissioning notice.
For buildings other than dwellings, the TER and BER can be calculated and the EPC produced by following the National Calculation Method (NCM). This can be done by using approved simulation software (Approved Dynamic Simulation Models (DSMs)) or by using the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM), a ‘simplified’ compliance tool developed by BRE, which has a user interface called iSBEM.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Air permeability testing.
- Approved documents.
- Building regulations.
- Dwelling emission rate.
- National Calculation Method.
- Simplified Building Energy Model.
- Standard Assessment Procedure.
- Target emission rate.
[edit] External references
- Planning portal: Approved document L.
Featured articles and news
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.
Comments