A BER is a building energy rating of the overall energy efficiency of a building. It is based on a scale of A to G with A1 being the most energy efficient rating and G being the least energy efficient rating. When you receive your BER certificate you will also receive an advisory report which will contain recommendations on how best you can improve on your energy efficiency rating.

So what can I do to improve my rating? At present, there are two grant programmes available to homeowners namely the Better Energy Homes and the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS). Click below for more information on these schemes.

The BER certification scheme was established under an EU Directive i.e. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. This is overseen in Ireland by the Sustainable Energy Authority Of Ireland.

The SEAI's quality assurance system ensures the integrity of the scheme and only qualified assessors who are registered with the SEAI can carry out BERs. Michael Kirby is a registered assessor with the SEAI and is based in Dundalk, Co. His company, Kirby Energy Solutions, offers an independent and professional rating service to homeowners, property managers and businesses throughout the land.