The energy efficiency of buildings is a topic that is becoming increasingly important in the context of rising energy costs and climate change. One of the key aspects of assessing the energy efficiency of a building is the BuildingEnergyRating(BER). In this article, we will explain what the BER is, how it is affected by windows and doors and the benefits of improving this rating.
What is the BER?
The BER rating is an assessment of a building’s energy efficiency, which allows the energy consumption of different buildings to be compared. It is a key element in the energy efficiency rating process and is often required by building regulations to encourage the design and construction of more sustainable and energy efficient homes.
The BER rating is expressed on a letter scale (e.g. A, B, C), where ‘A’ indicates the highest energy efficiency and subsequent letters indicate progressively lower efficiency. The rating is given on the basis of various factors, including the insulation of the building, the efficiency of the heating and cooling systems, and the quality of the windows and doors.
The role of windows and doors in the BER indicator
Windows and doors play a key role in shaping a building’s BER rating. Their thermal insulation, defined by the thermal transmittance (Uw for windows and Ud for doors), affects how much heat escapes from a building. The lower this coefficient, the better the insulation, leading to a higher BER.
Materials and construction
Energy-efficient windows often have triple glazing and spaces filled with noble gas, such as argon or krypton, which significantly increases their thermal insulation. Energy-efficient doors are constructed from materials with a low thermal conductivity coefficient and have fillings such as polyurethane foam, mineral wool or polystyrene.
Which windows and doors should I choose for a better BER?
- Triple-glazed windows with low-e coatings.
These state-of-the-art solutions offer excellent thermal insulation and can significantly reduce Uw values, which is key to improving BER.
- Doors with thermal insulation infill.
Doors with infill made of polyurethane foam or other insulating materials effectively reduce heat loss, which has a positive impact on the BER.
Benefits of improving BER
Improving the BER has many benefits, both financially and environmentally. Better thermal insulation means lower heating and cooling bills, leading to significant savings in the long term. In addition, a higher BER increases the value of the property and makes it more attractive on the market.
Investing in energy-efficient windows and doors helps to reduce CO2 emissions, which is good for the environment. Furthermore, less energy consumption means a smaller carbon footprint for the building, which is crucial in the fight against climate change.
Summary
BER is a key building performance indicator that plays an important role in the design of sustainable and energy-efficient homes. Choosing the right windows and doors can significantly improve this indicator, bringing both financial and environmental benefits. By investing in modern technologies and materials, we can not only reduce our energy bills, but also contribute to protecting our planet.