What is a BER?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate indicates the energy performance of a home. It is similar to the energy label on household appliances and rates the home on a scale from A0 to G, with A0 being the most energy efficient and G the least.
View official BER information and the current rating scale on the SEAI website
BER Scales
As of 24 May 2026, Ireland uses a simplified BER scale aligned with EU standards:
- A0: Most efficient, zero fossil fuel use
- A: Highly efficient
- B: Good efficiency
- C: Average efficiency
- D: Below average efficiency
- E: Poor efficiency
- F: Very poor efficiency
- G: Least efficient
The rating is based on primary energy consumption (kWh/m²/year) and carbon dioxide emissions (kg CO₂/m²/year).
When is a BER Required?
A BER certificate is legally required in the following situations:
- Selling a property: All homes for sale must have a valid BER certificate.
- Renting a property: All rental properties must have a valid BER certificate.
- New homes: Newly built homes must have a BER before first occupation.
- SEAI grant applications: Many SEAI home energy upgrade grants require a BER assessment before and/or after works.
- Green mortgages: Some lenders require a BER for green mortgage products.
What Information Does a BER Certificate Contain?
A standard BER certificate includes:
- The BER rating (A0-G)
- Primary energy consumption per square metre per year (kWh/m²/yr)
- Carbon dioxide emissions per square metre per year (kg CO₂/m²/yr)
- An advisory report with recommendations for improving energy performance
- Details about the property (type, age, floor area)
- Date of issue and validity (typically 10 years)
- A QR code linking to the detailed BER assessment record
How is a BER Calculated?
The BER is calculated using the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP), Ireland's official method. A registered BER assessor will:
- Conduct an on-site survey of the dwelling (typically 1-2 hours)
- Measure dimensions, insulation levels, window types, heating systems, ventilation, and renewable energy technologies
- Input the data into approved DEAP software
- Generate the BER certificate and advisory report
- Register the BER with the national BER register
For more information on the new BER scale effective from May 2026, see our BER scale details.
