A revised Building Energy Rating ("BER") system came into effect in Ireland on 24 May 2026. The changes are intended to make BER certificates easier to understand and to better reflect the energy performance of modern homes and commercial property.
The updated system introduces a new rating scale and certificate format. While the changes do not create new obligations for most property owners, they are relevant to residential and non-residential buildings, including commercial premises and public buildings, as well as anyone buying, selling or letting property.
Key changes
The main changes include:
- A new BER scale ranging from A0 to G, replacing the previous A1 to G scale
- A simplified BER certificate designed to make ratings easier to compare
- The introduction of an A0 rating for the most energy-efficient properties
- Existing BER certificates remain valid until they expire
What does this mean for Nearly Zero Energy Building ("NZEB") standards?
Since 2019, new dwellings in Ireland have generally been required to comply with the NZEB standard. Similar energy performance requirements also apply to many new non-residential buildings. Many of these buildings achieved A-rated BERs under the previous rating system.
Under the revised scale, some NZEB-compliant homes and commercial premises may receive a different BER classification without any change to the property’s energy performance. This reflects the introduction of the new rating scale rather than any reduction in energy efficiency.
Practical considerations
Property owners, landlords, occupiers, developers and purchasers should:
- Check whether an existing BER certificate remains valid
- Be aware that the revised rating may differ from a previous BER without any physical changes to the property
- Consider how a property’s BER and compliance with NZEB standards may influence marketability and purchaser expectations
- Ensure BER information is presented accurately during property transactions
- Owners of commercial and public buildings should also review their existing BER Certificates and understand how the revised rating system may affect the presentation of the building's energy performance
Conclusion
The revised BER system is primarily a change to how energy performance is presented rather than a change to the legal obligations of property owners. However, with NZEB standards now well established in the commercial and residential property market and energy efficiency becoming an increasingly important factor in property transactions, it is important for owners, purchasers and advisers to understand the new rating system and its practical implications.
For more information or advice on how the revised BER system will impact current and future projects, please contact Aisling Farrell or your usual contact in Beauchamps.
