What is a BER?
BER stands for Building Energy Rating. It's like a 'report card' for your home’s energy performance — similar to the energy labels you see on fridges or washing machines.
It tells you:
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How energy-efficient your home is
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The estimated energy usage for heating, lighting, and ventilation
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CO₂ emissions
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Ways to improve your rating
How is a BER Rated?
The BER scale goes from A1 to G:
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A1 = Most energy-efficient (very low energy usage)
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G = Least energy-efficient (very high energy usage)
Most older Irish homes are rated C or below, while newer builds usually aim for A ratings
What Happens During a BER Assessment?
A registered BER assessor visits your property and looks at things like:
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Insulation levels (attic, walls, floors)
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Windows and doors (double/triple glazing)
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Heating system (boiler type, controls, heat pumps)
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Ventilation
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Renewable energy systems (like solar panels)
They use this information to generate a BER Certificate and Basic Advisory Report showing what you can do to improve your home's efficiency.
How Much Does It Cost?
€300
When Do You Need a BER Certificate?
You legally need a BER if you’re:
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Selling your home
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Renting it out
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Applying for SEAI home energy grants.
BERs are valid for 10 years, unless major energy upgrades are done.
Home Energy Assessment
What is a Home Energy Assessment?
A Home Energy Assessment (HEA) is an evaluation of your home’s energy use and efficiency. A registered assessor will conduct the assessment to provide you with a BER (Building Energy Rating), along with a Detailed Advisory Report that shows areas where you can improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and make your home more comfortable and sustainable. *A HEA is required

What Does a Home Energy Assessment Involve?
During the assessment, the assessor will look at:
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Insulation: Type and condition of attic, wall, and floor insulation.
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Heating systems: Efficiency of your boiler, radiators, underfloor heating, and controls.
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Windows & doors: Glazing quality, drafts, and sealant.
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Lighting: Types of bulbs used (LED, energy-saving, etc.) and general lighting design.
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Renewable energy systems: Solar panels, heat pumps, or wind systems.
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Ventilation: Type of ventilation system and air quality.
They will also consider the size, age, and location of the home, as well as how it is used.
Costs of a Home Energy Assessment
€600
Why is a Home Energy Assessment Important?
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Required for Heat Pump Grants: If you are applying for the SEAI Heat Pump Grant, you must first complete a Home Energy Assessment (HEA). The HEA provides the BER and ensures your home is suitable for a heat pump system.
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Identifies Areas for Improvement: The assessment will highlight potential upgrades to improve energy efficiency, such as insulation, energy-efficient appliances, or renewable energy systems like heat pumps.
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Reduces Energy Costs: By making energy-saving improvements, you can lower heating, cooling, and lighting bills.
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Sustainability: Improves your home’s environmental footprint, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Increased Comfort: Improved insulation and heating systems can make your home more comfortable year-round, with fewer drafts and better temperature control.
What is a Non-Domestic BER?
A Non-Domestic BER is the commercial version of the Building Energy Rating. It assesses how energy-efficient a non-residential building is — such as:
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Offices
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Shops
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Schools
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Hotels
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Warehouses
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Public buildings
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Any commercial premises
It’s required by law for most buildings that are being sold, rented, or constructed.
How is the Rating Shown?
Just like homes, non-domestic buildings are rated from A1 (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The BER certificate includes:
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Primary energy use per square meter per year (kWh/m²/yr)
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Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions
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A comparison with a benchmark building
What Does the Assessment Involve?
A registered Non-Domestic BER Assessor will inspect the building and collect details like:
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Size and layout
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Lighting systems
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HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
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Hot water systems
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Insulation and glazing
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Renewable energy systems (e.g. solar, biomass)
They input this data into NEAP (the Non-Domestic Energy Assessment Procedure) software, which generates the BER and Advisory Report
When is a Non-Domestic BER Required?
You need a BER if you are:
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Selling or leasing a commercial building
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Constructing a new commercial property
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Advertising a building for sale or rent
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Complying with public building energy reporting
Public buildings over 250m² that are frequently visited by the public must display a BER certificate prominently (known as a Display Energy Certificate, or DEC).
Cost of a Non-Domestic BER
Costs vary more than for residential BERs, as commercial buildings differ widely in size and complexity. Factors that influence cost:
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Building size (m²)
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Number of zones/systems
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Access to existing technical documentation
How Long is It Valid?
A BER certificate is valid for 10 years, as long as no major energy-related upgrades are carried out in the meantime.
Why It Matters
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Helps businesses cut energy costs
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Supports sustainability and ESG goals
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Required for compliance with EU and Irish regulations
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Often needed for SEAI business grant applications or green building certifications