What Is a BER Certificate?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate shows how energy-efficient a building is. In Ireland, BER certificates are issued on a scale from A (most energy-efficient) to G (least energy-efficient) and are legally required in most cases when selling or renting a property.
BER certificates are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and must be carried out by a registered BER assessor.
What Does a BER Certificate Show?
A BER certificate provides:
- An energy efficiency rating from A1 to G
- Estimated annual energy usage
- Estimated energy costs
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions
- An advisory report with recommended improvements
This information helps buyers, tenants, and owners understand how efficient a property is and how it compares to others.
Is a BER Certificate Legally Required in Ireland?
Yes. In most cases, a valid BER certificate is legally required when:
- Selling a property
- Renting a property
- Advertising a property for sale or rent
Failure to provide a BER certificate can result in penalties or delays during property transactions.
Who Needs a BER Certificate?
A BER certificate is required by:
- Homeowners selling their property
- Landlords renting residential or commercial buildings
- Estate agents advertising properties
- Property developers and investors
Some exemptions apply, but most occupied buildings require a valid BER.
How Long Does a BER Certificate Last?
A BER certificate is valid for 10 years, unless significant energy upgrades are made to the property, such as:
- New insulation
- Heating system upgrades
- Renewable energy installations
After major improvements, a new BER assessment may better reflect the property’s efficiency.
How Is a BER Assessment Carried Out?
A BER assessment is completed during an on-site inspection by an SEAI-registered assessor. The assessor will examine:
- Insulation levels
- Windows and doors
- Heating and hot water systems
- Ventilation
- Lighting
- Building layout and construction
The collected data is entered into SEAI-approved software to generate the BER rating and advisory report.
How Much Does a BER Certificate Cost?
The cost of a BER certificate depends on factors such as:
- Property size
- Property type (house, apartment, commercial)
- Complexity of the building
Prices can vary, so it’s recommended to request a free quote before booking
Can I Improve My BER Rating?
Yes. Common ways to improve a BER rating include:
- Upgrading insulation
- Improving heating efficiency
- Installing heating controls
- Adding renewable energy systems
Improving your BER can lower energy bills, increase comfort, and increase property value.
BER Certificates and SEAI Grants
A BER certificate is often required when applying for SEAI home energy grants. It helps assess eligibility and measure improvements after works are completed.
Book a BER Assessment
If you need a BER certificate for selling, renting, or upgrading your property, BERconnect.ie provides professional BER assessments across Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, and Wicklow.