About Building Energy Rating (BER)

What is Building Energy Rating (BER)?
A building energy rating is a rating on the overall energy efficiency of a building (residential or commercial). The rating is similar to the energy label on your fridge and is denoted on scale of A to G, with A1 being the most energy efficient and G being the least energy efficient.

BER Certificate
The certificate contains the following information:
The building name and address, a BER number, the date of issue, the date until when the BER is valid, the BER assessor number and the BER assessor company number.

Landlords and Estate Agents
You are only required to have an energy rating carried out if you are selling or renting your house.
It will be a legal requirement for the following to have a BER cert:

• Houses and apartments for which planning permission was applied for on or after 1st January 2007
• Houses being rented or sold on or after January 1st 2009
• Apartments being rented or sold on or after January 1st 2009
• There are exemptions for certain categories of buildings, e.g. protected structures and certain temporary buildings

Prospective buyers or tenants
A BER enables you to understand the overall energy efficiency of a home. Since the 1st January 2009 BER ratings are be required for any existing buildings offered for sale or rent, regardless of the age of the building. This means that if a property is re-let or sold, it must have a BER Certificate. The property owner, landlord or their agent will be able to provide you with more detail on the buildings rating.

How long is a BER certificate valid for?
A BER certificate is valid for a period of up to 10 years while there are no changes made to the dwelling that will negatively affect its energy performance.

How is BER calculated?
A BER for a house is calculated using the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) software published by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). The DEAP software will also calculate the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the house. The BER calculation includes energy use for building fabric, space heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting and is calculated on the basis of standard occupancy.

How can I get a BER report for my house?
A BER is carried out by specially trained BER assessors, registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI).

For more information see the SEAI website.