Simplified Building Energy Ratings (BER) for residential properties to be introduced from May 2026

EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requires a simplified BER scale (A – G) to be introduced

New ‘A0’ category for homes with a very high energy performance that do not use fossil fuels to be introduced

Existing BERs will remain valid for mandatory obligations such as sale or rent

A simplified Building Energy Rating (BER) for residential properties will be introduced from 24th May 2026 in line with a standardised approach towards BER classes across the European Union. These changes are being introduced in new regulations under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

The EPBD will bring greater comparability across the EU to the presentation of BER scales. In line with the EU Directive, the new scale will go to a more streamlined form - from A to G. Significantly, there will also be a new ‘A0’ category for zero-emission homes with a very high energy performance that do not use fossil fuels.

Notably, most homes will not be impacted immediately by these changes, as all existing BER certs will remain valid for mandatory obligations such as sale or rent for 10 years from their date of issue. Changes will take effect when a new cert is issued after 24th May this year.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD remarked:

The new BER certificate will contain additional metrics relating to Zero-emission buildings, greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy usage specific to the property. The revised certificate will include recommendations for the cost effective improvement of energy performance and steps to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions.

The SEAI will run a comprehensive public information campaign to explain the upcoming changes. Further information on the changes can be found at www.seai.ie/ber/new-simplified-scale

ENDS

Notes to the Editor

Simplification of BER scale

The Building Energy Rating (BER) allows prospective buyers or tenants to objectively compare the energy performance of different dwellings on a like-for-like basis. It helps you to understand the energy efficiency of a home and can be used as an indicator of the running costs and carbon emissions associated with heating the home to a comfortable level. The current rating scale looks similar to the energy rating labels for household appliances. It rates the home on a scale from A-G with 15 sub categories of A1, A2, A3, B1,B2, B3 etc.

From 24 May 2026 the BER scale will be simplified to A, B, C, D, E, F, G, with all subcategories removed. This will reduce the number of levels displayed on the BER certificate from 15 to a more accessible 8 categories.

A-rated homes are the most energy-efficient and comfortable. G-rated homes are the least energy-efficient. They typically require a lot of energy to heat the home

There will also be a new A-Zero or ‘A0’ category for zero-emission homes with a very high energy performance that do not use fossil fuels. This will give greater recognition to these high performing homes.

In addition to the simplified scale additional information about energy use, renewable energy contribution and Global Warming Potential will also be available on the new certificate.

A QR code to link to information about your BER and the energy upgrade for the specific home specific to the BER will also be incorporated into the new certificate providing ease of access to retrofit information for the homeowner.

The SEAI will be running a comprehensive public information campaign to inform people of changes to BER scales.

Zero Emissions Buildings

A Zero Emission Building (A0) is a building with a very low amount of energy, producing zero on-site carbon emissions from fossil fuels and producing zero or a very low amount of operational greenhouse gas emissions.

The maximum threshold of a zero emissions building is set in accordance with the requirements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

A zero-emission building shall, where economically and technically feasible, offer the capacity to react to external signals and adapt its energy use, generation or storage.

The operational greenhouse gas emissions of a zero-emission building shall comply with the maximum threshold established in the national building renovation plan.

Transitioning from existing BER certificates

All existing BER certificates will remain valid for 10 years from their date of issues unless major renovations have taken place.

All existing valid BERs will continue to meet the requirements for mandatory obligations e.g. sale, rental, conveyancing, advertising etc. 

The letter A, B, C … etc. indicating the energy performance rating of the vast majority of houses will remain the same.

Government support is available through many energy upgrade schemes run through the SEAI available at the following link https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants

New BER Certificate

Further information on the new BER certificate is available from SEAI at the following link: www.seai.ie/ber

Information on the simplified scale can be found at http://www.seai.ie/ber/new-simplified-scale

How BER class is calculated

The calculation for the BER class is based on standard assumptions for the dwelling such as: the level of lighting, heating levels, occupancy and use of hot water. The level of insulation and the efficiency of the heating system in the actual dwelling along with other factors such as the area of windows and orientation are then used to calculate the BER for the dwelling.

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

Further information on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is available from the EU Commission at the following link:
https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-performance-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en