Marketing/Communication Guidelines for those involved in Building Energy Rating

Below we have outlined a range of marketing / communication guidelines with respect to Building Energy Rating in promotional materials for BER Assessors, Training Providers and/or Developers.

Usage of SEAI, SEI or BER Logos / References to SEAI

• The SEI/SEAI corporate logo and/or BER logo cannot be used on any publications or in any visual material in respect of Building Energy Ratings. This includes but is not limited to advertising (print or broadcast), printed brochures, flyers, direct mail, retail point of sale materials, web/online collateral, vehicles and phone directories.
• No references may be made to SEI/SEAI which may infer any form of endorsement, approval or specific partnership.
• If you are currently using the SEI/SEAI or BER logo or referring to the Building Energy Rating in your marketing material and have not received prior approval to do so from SEAI, then these materials must be withdrawn from circulation immediately.

Use of the BER Label:

• It is an offence under section 18 of the EC Energy Performance of Buildings Regulation 2006 (S.I. No. 666 of 2006) to feature an altered BER Certificate.

References to Building Energy Rating Scheme

• Training Providers: Statements in the marketing materials of BER Training providers may not suggest, directly or otherwise, that they are ‘approved by SEAI’ or that they enjoy any status other than that of having been listed as BER Assessor Training Providers on the SEAI website. Accreditation is via HETAC or FETAC and may be cited in adherence with the requirements of those authorities.
• SEAI requires that all training providers prominently quote the current number of registered and certified Assessors on all their marketing and promotional material. This must be updated to reflect the most recent Assessor numbers - please refer to the status report on the SEAI website.
• BER Assessors: In marketing materials, registered BER Assessors are entitled to state that they are 'Listed on the SEAI Register of BER Assessors' or that they are an 'SEAI Registered BER Assessor'. They cannot suggest that they are 'approved' or infer any other form of endorsement in relation to SEAI. Accreditation of qualification is via HETAC or FETAC and may be cited in adherence with the requirements of those authorities.
• Owners/Developers: When promoting their properties / developments within any form of advertising (print or broadcast), printed brochures, flyers, direct mail, retail point of sale materials, web/online collateral or any other marketing/promotional material must either:
  • Where a rating is indicated or claimed, the specific rating including both the relevant band and number (e.g. A3, B1, C2) for a home shown in a photo must be given, stating that the rating is for the home shown; OR
  • indicate a BER range for all homes available in the development; OR
  • indicate the minimum rating achieved by the poorest performing house;
  • In all cases where a rating is advertised, the owner is required to ensure that an official BER has been submitted to the National Administration System (NAS) by a registered BER Assessor in support of his claims and this rating must be accurate at the time of publication.

Adherence to these guidelines ensures fair and open competition for all participants in the scheme and will be closely monitored by SEAI at all times.