Landlords and homeowners across County Clare have been reminded that they must obtain a Building Energy Rating (BER) before placing their homes on the market for sale or rent.

Local TD Tony Killeen said the recent extension of the national energy rating system, which advises on the energy efficiency of buildings, is a welcome development as it will provide clear information to consumers thinking of buying or renting a home.

In Ireland, a BER certificate is issued by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) following an assessment by a qualified BER assessor, who must be registered with SEI.

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"The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires all Member States to put a BER certification system in place on a phased basis. For Ireland the system came into effect for new houses in 2007 and this phasing concluded on 1 January 2009 with second hand homes," said Mr Killeen.

He described the final phase of BER implementation as a "very positive step forward".

"A BER is obtained by the landlord or seller and is valid for ten years. BER Certificates help consumers who are buying or renting a property to make an informed choice between available properties, having regard to a comparison of their energy rating," said the TD.

"I expect that the information people get from the BER process will make them think about how much money they are losing through poor insulation and will lead to much interest in retrofitting insulation and other energy efficiency measures in their homes, providing a useful boost to the construction sector."

Mr Killeen added that €25m for 2008/09 to assist people with these upgrade works through the Home Energy Saving Scheme.

(PR/JM)