What are a Target Emissions Rating (TER) and Building Emissions Rating (BER)?
Approval for building regulations is now based on the ‘whole building emissions’. This gives designers flexibility to decide how to meet the overall target. A Target Emissions Rating (TER) is the target that the actual building design must equal or better in order to gain building approval. The TER is the mass of carbon dioxide emitted per year per square meter of useful floor area (kg/m2/year) based on a notional building of similar size and construction. Calculation of the TER must be in accordance with the methods detailed in Part L. The Building Emissions Rating (BER) is the emissions rating calculated under Part L for the building as it has actually been designed. Once again the method of calculation is detailed in Part L but the BER must be equal to or less than the TER to gain a completion certificate from the Building Control Officer.
