Since 24 May 2026, Building Energy Ratings (BERs) in Ireland use a new, simpler scale. The change brings Ireland in line with other EU countries under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
What has changed
The old scale had 15 bands, from A1 down to G. The new scale has 8: A0, A, B, C, D, E, F and G. The sub-bands such as A2, B2 and C3 no longer exist.
A0 is a new top rating for zero-emission buildings that use no fossil fuels on site.
What the new certificate shows
What it means for grants
A full home upgrade funded by SEAI used to need a B2 rating after the works. It now needs a B. The minimum improvement SEAI requires has not changed.
Do I need a new BER?
Not always. An existing BER can be used as the “before” BER for your energy upgrade, as long as:
- it was published within five years of your grant application, and
- you can declare that no energy upgrade works have been done to the home since it was published.
Once the upgrade works are finished, an “after” BER is carried out. It shows your home’s new rating on the new scale, and the difference your upgrade has made.
See the current home energy grants, or apply for a home energy assessment.
Source: SEAI, gov.ie.