A BER is similar to the energy label for a household electrical appliance like your fridge. The label has a scale of A-G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and G the least efficient.

From the 1st of January 2009 a BER certificate is compulsory for almost all homes when they are offered for sale or rent.  The sellers or landlords must provide a BER to tenants on all new and existing domestic dwellings, when being offered for sale or rented.

Hibernian Enegry is registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) to carry building energy assessments and submit the rating for registration with SEI.

How Long will a BER Remain Valid?

A BER for a building will be valid for 10 years from the date of its being issued, unless there is a material change in the building in the meantime which could affect its energy performance – for example an extension to the building, a significant change to the building fabric or a change in the heating system or fuel used.

Therefore if a property which has received a BER is placed on the market within 10 years of that BER being issued, and the property has experienced no relevant alteration in the meantime, then that same BER may be used by the building owner for the purposes of meeting their obligations under the Regulations.