New Non-Domestic BER Methodology Change: How Changing Rooms, Locker Rooms and Shower Areas Are Now Assessed
- Mihai
- 21 hours ago
- 5 min read
The updated Non-Domestic BER methodology has introduced several important changes that affect how commercial buildings are assessed.
One area that has changed is the way changing rooms, locker rooms and shower facilities are categorised within the BER assessment.
Previously, areas containing changing facilities were often assessed as a single activity zone, with the presence of showers influencing the energy calculation.
Under the updated methodology, the assessment approach is more focused on the actual function and use of the space.
This means that a room that is only used as a changing room or locker room without showers should no longer automatically be classified as a changing facility with shower use.
Instead, the activity assigned within the BER assessment should reflect the actual operation of the space.
This change can have an impact on the calculated energy demand and the final Non-Domestic BER Certificate.
🏢 What Is a Non-Domestic BER Certificate?
A Non-Domestic Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate provides an assessment of the energy performance of commercial and public buildings in Ireland.
The BER assessment is completed by a registered BER assessor using the official SEAI Non-Domestic Energy Assessment Procedure (NEAP) methodology.
The assessment considers:
Building geometry
Construction type
Insulation levels
Heating systems
Cooling systems
Ventilation systems
Lighting
Hot water generation
Renewable energy systems
Building usage profiles
The final BER rating provides an indication of the building's calculated energy performance.
🔄 Why Building Activity Classification Matters in a BER Assessment
A key part of a Non-Domestic BER assessment is assigning the correct activity type to each area within the building.
The activity classification affects assumptions such as:
Occupancy levels
Operating hours
Internal heat gains
Lighting requirements
Ventilation requirements
Domestic hot water demand
Incorrectly assigning the activity can result in an inaccurate BER calculation.
For this reason, a BER assessor must understand not only the building layout but also how each space is actually used.
🚿 Previous Approach: Changing Rooms With Showers
Under the previous methodology, changing rooms containing showers were commonly treated as a specific activity type.
This approach assumed that the area included:
Changing facilities
Shower usage
Increased hot water demand
Higher ventilation requirements
Different occupancy patterns
As a result, the entire zone could be assessed based on the requirements of a changing facility with shower use.
This was appropriate where showers were genuinely provided and regularly used.
🆕 New Approach: Assessing the Actual Use of the Space
Under the updated Non-Domestic BER methodology, the classification should better reflect the real function of the area.
For example:
🚿 Changing Room With Showers
A changing room containing active shower facilities should continue to be assessed as a changing facility with showers.
The assessment considers:
Domestic hot water demand
Shower usage
Increased ventilation requirements
Occupancy patterns
🚪 Locker Room / Cloak Room Without Showers
Where a space is only used for:
Changing clothes
Storing personal items
Staff lockers
General circulation
and there are no shower facilities, it should not automatically be classified as a shower changing facility.
Instead, the activity should reflect the actual use of the room.
For example, a locker room or cloak room without showers may be treated using a more appropriate generic activity profile, such as an office-type or similar low-intensity occupied space depending on the building use.
This avoids assigning additional energy demand that does not reflect the actual operation of the building.
📊 Why Does Correct Activity Classification Matter?
The activity assigned to a zone directly affects the BER calculation.
For example, incorrectly classifying a locker room as a shower facility could increase calculated energy demand due to:
Higher hot water requirements
Increased ventilation rates
Different occupancy assumptions
Different operational profiles
This could negatively affect the calculated BER performance.
Correct zoning ensures that:
✅ Energy demand reflects actual use
✅ The BER Certificate is more accurate
✅ The building performance is fairly assessed
✅ Energy improvement measures are correctly evaluated
🏭 Examples Where This Change May Apply
This methodology update may be relevant for many building types, including:
🏢 Commercial Offices
Office buildings may contain:
Staff changing rooms
Cycle facilities
Shower areas
Locker rooms
Only areas with actual shower facilities should be assessed using shower-related activity assumptions.
🏫 Schools and Universities
Educational buildings may contain:
Sports changing rooms
PE facilities
Staff changing areas
The presence or absence of showers will influence the correct activity classification.
🏋️ Sports and Leisure Buildings
Sports facilities often contain:
Changing rooms
Shower blocks
Dry changing areas
Equipment storage areas
These areas should be assessed separately where their use differs.
🏥 Healthcare and Industrial Buildings
Hospitals, laboratories and industrial facilities may have:
Staff changing rooms
Cleanroom gowning areas
Locker facilities
Welfare areas
The correct activity classification is essential because these spaces may have very different energy requirements.
👷 The Role of the BER Assessor
A professional BER assessor does more than collect building dimensions.
The assessor must understand:
How spaces are used
Occupancy patterns
Heating requirements
Ventilation requirements
Hot water demand
Building operation
Accurate activity zoning is essential for producing a reliable BER Certificate.
Providing supporting information such as:
Architectural drawings
Room data sheets
Building specifications
Operational descriptions
can help ensure the assessment reflects the actual building use.
🏢 How This Affects New Buildings and Design Teams
For new commercial buildings, accurate zoning information is particularly important.
During design development, architects, engineers and energy assessors should coordinate on:
Space classification
Activity profiles
Ventilation requirements
Hot water loads
Occupancy assumptions
Small differences in how areas are classified can influence the final BER outcome.
👷 Why Choose MTS DNC Energy Consultants?
At MTS DNC Energy Consultants, we provide specialist:
Non-Domestic BER Certificates
Commercial BER Assessments
BER Consultancy
Part L Compliance Advice
Energy Performance Assessments
Building Energy Consultancy
Our building services engineering background allows us to understand the interaction between building use, HVAC systems and energy performance.
We provide practical BER advice for commercial buildings including offices, healthcare facilities, educational buildings, industrial buildings and public buildings.
👉 Contact us today for expert advice or to schedule your BER assessment.
For further inquiries or assistance, feel free to contact us.
Final Thoughts
The updated Non-Domestic BER methodology places greater emphasis on accurately representing how spaces are actually used.
Changing rooms with showers and simple locker rooms are no longer treated in the same way where their energy demands are different.
A space should only be assessed as a shower changing facility where shower facilities are genuinely provided and used.
Correct activity classification is essential for producing an accurate Non-Domestic BER Certificate and ensuring that the calculated energy performance reflects the real operation of the building.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in these posts is for informational purposes only and should not be considered design advice, specifications, or a calculation template. We assume no responsibility or liability for the use of the information presented. For professional advice or design services, please contact us via our contact form.
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