Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

62. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the quality control measures that are in place regarding the BER system for rating the energy efficiency of homes; if the BER system is reviewed periodically; if so, when the system was reviewed; the results of that review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10221/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The legal basis for the Building Energy Rating (BER) system including quality assurance is set out in S.I. 243 of 2012. The BER system is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in compliance with that legislation.  SEAI operate a Quality Assurance System which is used to continuously monitor the quality of BER assessments published by BER Assessors and to ensure widespread operational compliance with the BER Assessor's Code of Practice.

The process includes the following methods to maintain the quality assurance of the BER:

- Entry requirements for assessors such as pre-qualification requirements, mandatory training, with induction and mentoring for new entrants

- Validation rules for published assessments;  

- Feedback measures including auditing, training and mentoring as set out in SEAI’s Quality Assurance System and Disciplinary Procedure.

All BER assessors are subject to audits which are carried out by independent SEAI BER auditors appointed by Ministerial warrant.  The technical performance and professional conduct of assessors are audited. The outcome of the audit also provides feedback and learning to BER assessors. SEAI may also carry out routine follow-up audits to check if findings from previous audits have been adequately resolved.  The selection for audit is done on a random or targeted basis and a BER may be targeted for audit based on a specific risk.

The BER quality assurance mechanisms were reviewed by external consultants in 2020 and the review recommended the replacement of the registration renewal exam with Continuous Professional Development and a focus on mentoring and learning supports for assessors. The recommendations are being applied incrementally over the course of 2021 and 2022.