New simplified Building Energy Rating (BER) scale

On this page

A simplified Building Energy Rating (BER) scale for all properties will come into effect on 24 May 2026.

Background

A simplified Building Energy Rating (BER) scale for both domestic and non-domestic properties such as businesses, schools and public buildings will come into effect on 24 May 2026. This update aligns Ireland’s building energy performance standards with those used across the EU, improving comparability and making BER information clearer and more accessible for homeowners, building owners and tenants. The changes are introduced under new regulations implementing the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

What is changing

The BER scale will be simplified to the following categories: A0, A, B, C, D, E, F, G

All sub‑categories (such as B1, B2, B3) will be removed. This reduces the number of rating levels from 15 to a more user‑friendly 8.

A0 is a new category for the most energy‑efficient buildings that do not use fossil fuels.

Existing BER rules remain unchanged

  • All existing BER certificates remain valid for 10 years from their date of issue.
  • All existing BERs are valid for mandatory requirements such as the sale or rental of a home or building including rental contract renewal, unless major renovations have taken place. 
  • The requirements for when you need to have a valid BER have not changed. 

Updated BER certificate

The new BER certificate will display the simplified scale and will also include:

  • Additional information on energy use, renewable energy contribution, and the amount of carbon emissions involved in the whole lifecycle of the building measured in Global Warming Potential (GWP) 
  • A QR code linking directly to BER details and tailored energy-upgrade information, making it easier for home and building owners to access guidance on improving energy performance
Download a sample BER certificate (opens in a new tab)

Support for improving the energy performance of your home or building

Home and building owners can access a wide range of fully funded, or partially subsidised, grants and supports through SEAI’s energy upgrade schemes to improve the comfort, efficiency and sustainability of their homes or the energy efficiency of their business.

FAQs

The Building Energy Rating (BER) is a measure of the energy performance of a building.  It is an asset rating that allows prospective buyers or tenants to compare the energy performance of different buildings and understand the potential running costs and carbon emissions involved in heating the building to a comfortable level. 

From 24 May 2026, the BER scale for both residential and non-domestic properties will move to a simplified set of categories: A0, A, B, C, D, E, F, G All sub‑categories (such as B1, B2, B3) will be removed.

The change aligns Ireland’s BER system with other EU countries under the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The goal is to make BERs easier to understand and improve comparability across Europe.

A0 is a new top category for buildings that are highly energy‑efficient and do not use fossil fuels. It recognises the best‑performing buildings in Ireland’s housing stock.

Yes. All existing BER certificates remain valid for 10 years from their date of issue. You can continue to use your current BER when selling or renting your home or building unless major renovations take place that could alter its energy performance. 

The new certificate will include:

  • the simplified BER scale
  • details on energy use
  • renewable energy contribution
  • Global Warming Potential (GWP)
  • a QR code linking to your BER details and tailored home‑upgrade information

No. The requirement to reach a post-works BER of B2 under the One Stop Shop Scheme or Community Energy Grant will now become a requirement to reach a B post-works BER. The minimum required improvement in energy efficiency remains the same. 

Additional resources