Why Is Global Warming Potential (GWP) Now Included on BER Certificates?
- Mihai
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
If you've recently received a BER Certificate or are planning a BER assessment in Dublin, you may have noticed a new section relating to Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Many homeowners ask:
"Does this mean my house now has to comply with a GWP limit to achieve a good BER rating?"
The short answer is no—not yet.
However, GWP is becoming increasingly important as Ireland moves towards Zero-Emission Buildings (ZEBs) and the implementation of the revised European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
In this article, we explain what GWP is, why it appears on the new BER certificate, and what it could mean for homeowners and developers in the future.
🌍 What Is Global Warming Potential (GWP)?
Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a building throughout its life cycle.
Unlike the traditional BER rating, which focuses on the energy required to operate a home, GWP considers the environmental impact of constructing the building itself.
This includes emissions associated with:
Concrete production
Steel manufacturing
Timber products
Insulation materials
Windows and glazing
Roofing materials
Transportation of building products
Construction activities
Together, these are known as the building's embodied carbon.
🏡 What Does a BER Certificate Currently Measure?
Today's BER Certificate primarily evaluates the operational energy performance of a home.
A BER assessment considers factors such as:
Wall, roof and floor insulation
Windows and doors
Heating system efficiency
Heat pumps and renewable technologies
Ventilation
Hot water systems
Lighting
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
These determine:
Primary Energy Consumption
CO₂ emissions during operation
BER rating (A0 to G)
The BER is still mainly based on how efficiently the home operates, rather than the carbon emitted during construction.
❓ Why Is GWP Included If It Isn't Yet Mandatory?
The inclusion of GWP is designed to prepare the construction industry for future European legislation.
Under the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), EU Member States are moving towards assessing both:
Operational carbon – emissions from running the building.
Embodied carbon – emissions from constructing the building.
Adding GWP to the BER certificate increases transparency and encourages designers, builders and homeowners to consider the environmental impact of construction materials as well as operational energy use.
📝 Why Is GWP Sometimes Marked as "Optional"?
Many homeowners notice that the GWP section may be incomplete or marked as optional.
This is because calculating embodied carbon requires detailed information about the building, including:
Structural quantities
Concrete volumes
Steel reinforcement
Types of insulation
Window specifications
Manufacturer Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
For many existing homes, especially older properties, this information is simply unavailable.
As a result, the BER software can only report GWP where sufficient data has been provided.
🔮 Will GWP Become a Requirement in Ireland?
Although there is currently no requirement for existing homes to meet a specific GWP limit, the direction of travel is clear.
The revised EPBD encourages Member States to progressively introduce:
Whole-life carbon assessments
Zero-Emission Buildings (ZEBs)
Greater transparency on building materials
Digital building logbooks
Improved environmental reporting
Several European countries have already introduced embodied carbon assessments for new developments, and Ireland is expected to continue evolving its building regulations in line with these objectives.
♻️ Why Embodied Carbon Is Becoming More Important
Modern homes are significantly more energy efficient than those built decades ago.
As operational energy consumption decreases through better insulation, airtightness, heat pumps and renewable energy systems, the carbon associated with manufacturing and constructing the building represents a larger share of its overall environmental impact.
This is driving increased interest in:
Low-carbon concrete
Sustainably sourced timber
Recycled steel
Low-GWP insulation products
Products with independently verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
These choices can reduce the building's lifetime carbon footprint while supporting future sustainability goals.
👷 What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
For homeowners arranging a BER assessment in Dublin or elsewhere in Ireland, the inclusion of GWP does not currently affect the BER rating itself.
Your BER assessor will continue to evaluate the building using the approved DEAP methodology, focusing on the home's operational energy performance.
However, for new-build projects and major renovations, considering embodied carbon alongside operational energy is becoming increasingly important and is likely to play a greater role in future regulations.
Why Choose MTS DNC Energy Consultants?
At MTS DNC Energy Consultants, we provide professional:
BER Assessments
Heat Pump Technical Assessments
Part L Compliance
Building Energy Modelling
Energy Consultancy
Our registered BER Assessors work throughout Dublin, including:
Malahide, Portmarnock, Swords, Donabate, Lusk, Rush, Skerries, Balbriggan, Clontarf, Raheny, Glasnevin, Santry, Tallaght, Dundrum, Blackrock, Dún Laoghaire and surrounding areas.
Whether you're selling, renting, applying for an SEAI grant or planning energy upgrades, we can provide a fast and professional BER assessment.
👉 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 addition of Global Warming Potential (GWP) to Ireland's BER certificates is an important step towards more sustainable building design.
Although GWP is not yet a mandatory compliance requirement for domestic homes, it reflects the industry's shift towards evaluating the whole-life environmental impact of buildings—not just the energy they consume during operation.
As Irish and European regulations continue to evolve, homeowners, designers and developers who understand both operational energy performance and embodied carbon will be better prepared for the future.
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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