Building Energy Rating (BER): What It Is & Why It Matters
- John Leahy
- Sep 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 8
When you hear the term Building Energy Rating (BER), think of it as the “energy label” for your home, just like the stickers you see on appliances. A BER gives your dwelling an easy-to-understand snapshot of how energy efficient it is, rated on a scale from A1 (most efficient) to G (least efficient). In this blog, we’ll explore how a BER rating works, why it’s essential, and how you can boost your score to benefit your wallet, the environment, and even your quality of life.
What Exactly Is a BER Rating?
A BER rating is an official certificate that evaluates the energy performance of a building. It measures how effectively your home uses energy for heating, hot water, ventilation, and overall thermal efficiency.
First introduced in Ireland in 1997, the BER scheme was designed to empower buyers, renters, and owners with accurate data on a property's energy performance. Whether you’re planning to sell, rent, or renovate your home, obtaining a BER certificate is now mandatory in Ireland for several situations. This includes new builds, properties being sold or rented, houses undergoing substantial renovations, and homes applying for SEAI Better Energy Homes grants. Having a BER certificate ensures your property meets energy performance standards and helps you comply with current regulations.
This certification, typically valid for up to 10 years, helps property stakeholders make informed decisions, whether you're seeking a greener home or aiming to increase your property's value.
Part L & NZEB: The Regulations Behind The Rating
Behind the scenes of the BER is Part L of Ireland's Building Regulations, which focuses on fuel and energy conservation. The most recent update, Part L 2022, aligns with the European goal of Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB). Since January 2019, all new builds in Ireland must comply with these rigorous standards.
Buildings that meet Part L regulations and score well on the BER chart not only reduce fossil fuel dependence but also deliver comfortable, eco-friendly living spaces.
Who Needs a BER Certificate?
As mentioned, a BER certificate isn’t just for show—it’s legally required in several situations. This includes when selling or renting out a property, for newly built homes, for houses that undergo major renovations, and for properties applying for grants or subsidies, such as those offered by the SEAI. Meeting these requirements ensures compliance with Irish energy regulations and supports better energy efficiency.
Certain buildings are exempt from requiring a BER certificate, including free-standing structures under 50 m², protected structures and national monuments, places of worship, non-residential units, and temporary buildings with a defined lifespan.
The Benefits of a High Building Energy Rating
A strong BER score offers benefits on multiple levels. It helps lower energy bills by reducing heat loss, which means less fuel is needed for heating and hot water, leading to significant savings over time. It also reduces your environmental footprint by cutting carbon emissions, making it better for the planet. Additionally, homes with high BER ratings, especially in the A or B bands, tend to be more attractive to buyers and tenants, often commanding higher prices and better lease terms. Beyond financial and environmental advantages, a good BER score improves comfort and health through better insulation, airtightness, and ventilation, resulting in fewer drafts, more stable indoor temperatures, and healthier air quality.
How to Improve Your BER Rating
Here are some top ways to move your home up the BER scale:
1. Upgrade Insulation & Reduce Heat Loss
Better insulation in roofs, walls, and floors goes a long way. A BER assessor will highlight weak spots in your thermal envelope.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Airtightness testing helps identify hidden drafts. Simple fixes like sealing around windows, doors, and pipes can have a big impact.
3. Optimise Heating & Hot Water Systems
High-efficiency boilers or heat pumps, and smart thermostats, can transform energy use in your home.
4. Ensure Good Ventilation
Airtight homes need balanced ventilation to avoid damp and mold. Proper systems are part of Part L & Part F compliance.
5. Use an Advisory Report
After your BER assessment, you'll receive a detailed advisory report. This report outlines targeted improvements to boost your rating, exactly where to focus your efforts.
Forsah offers a comprehensive range of building performance services, including air tightness testing, ventilation validation, BER testing, and more. Our team of certified assessors ensures your property meets the latest energy efficiency and compliance standards under Ireland's Building Regulations. Whether you're working on a new build, retrofit, or applying for SEAI grants, Forsah provides accurate assessments and clear guidance to help you improve your building's energy performance efficiently and effectively.
Why Choose Forsah for a Licensed BER Assessor?
With organisations like Forsah, you gain access to professionals licensed for Part L compliance and BER certification. Through a combination of heating design, ventilation validation, airtightness testing, acoustic testing, and tailored reports, our experts guide you from assessment to implementation.
Final Takeaways on BER Rating
A BER rating isn’t just a label—it’s an investment in your property’s future. It’s legally required for new builds, property sales, rentals, and renovations that receive grant funding. The rating scale ranges from A1 (most efficient) to G (least efficient), with higher ratings indicating lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. Meeting the latest standards, such as Part L 2022, ensures your building is modern, environmentally responsible, and energy-efficient. Certified assessors like Forsah provide end-to-end services, including assessment, expert advice, and full compliance support, making the process seamless from start to finish.
By improving your BER rating, you boost your home’s marketability, efficiency, and comfort—and do your bit for the environment. If you're planning a retrofit or new build, start with a proper BER assessment. The investment will pay off in savings, health benefits, and peace of mind.
Comments