A streamlined Building Energy Rating (BER) system for homes will take effect on 24 May 2026, aligning Ireland with a standardised approach across the European Union under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The revised scale will run from A to G, and will introduce a new 'A0' category for zero-emission dwellings with very high energy performance that do not use fossil fuels. Existing BER certificates will stay valid for mandatory purposes such as sale or rent for 10 years from their issue date, with the new rules applying when a fresh certificate is produced after 24 May 2026.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said: "The introduction of an "A0" energy rating paves the way for a much higher standard of energy efficiency and greater comfort in new build homes from 2030 onwards.

"For existing housing stock, my Department has been working to introduce these changes to BER ratings, which arise from a new EU directive, in a way that minimises the impacts to households in Ireland.

"Most homes will not be impacted by these changes as all existing BER certs will remain valid for 10 years from their date of issue. All currently valid BERs will continue to suffice for mandatory obligations such as sale or rent.

-- Advertisement --

The EPBD aims to improve comparability of BERs across member states. The updated Irish BER certificate will add metrics on zero-emission status, greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy use for the specific property, along with recommendations on cost-effective upgrades and steps to cut operational emissions. A QR code linking to the dwelling's BER details and retrofit options will also feature on the certificate.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) will run a comprehensive public information campaign to explain the changes. More information on the simplified BER scale and the new certificate is available at www.seai.ie/ber and www.seai.ie/ber/new-simplified-scale. Government support for home energy upgrades is available through SEAI schemes: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants.

From 24 May 2026, the existing 15-band system (A1–A3, B1–B3, etc.) will be replaced by eight categories, A through G. A-rated homes are the most energy-efficient and comfortable, while G-rated homes are the least efficient and typically require more energy to heat.

A Zero Emission Building (A0) is defined as a building with very low energy demand that produces zero on-site carbon emissions from fossil fuels and has zero or very low operational greenhouse gas emissions. Where technically and economically feasible, such buildings should be able to respond to external signals by adapting energy use, generation or storage. The maximum threshold for a zero-emission building is set in line with the EPBD, and operational emissions must comply with thresholds established in the national building renovation plan.

All existing BER certificates will remain valid for 10 years from their date of issue unless major renovations have occurred. Current BERs continue to meet mandatory requirements for advertising, conveyancing, sale and rental. For most dwellings, the headline letter (A, B, C, etc.) will remain the same under the simplified scale.

BER classes are calculated using standard assumptions about occupancy, space heating, hot water and lighting, alongside the dwelling's specific characteristics such as insulation levels, heating system efficiency, window area and orientation. Further details on the EPBD can be found at: energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-efficiency/energy-performance-buildings/energy-performance-buildings-directive_en.