Laws on Building Energy Ratings

Aside from the ethical and financial reasons for reducing your energy consumption in the home, legislation is being introduced that will require buildings to have improved insulation and energy efficiency. The EU Energy Performance Buildings Directive (EPBD) is being implemented to promote improvements in the energy performance of buildings all across Europe, including housing, and commercial and public sector buildings. 

The EPBD requires a Building Energy Rating (BER) to be provided to prospective buyers or tenants. A BER is a standard calculation of the energy performance of a building produced by a qualified assessor using an agreed calculation method. The BER allows potential tenants or purchasers to take the energy efficiency of the building into account prior to purchase or let. It also provides them with an indication of the potential heating and electricity costs. Failure to obtain a BER prior to selling/letting a building could result in a maximum fine of €5,000 and could also hinder the completion of a sale/letting.

The EPBD was adopted into Irish law as regulation in 2006. For more information on the EPBD see the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland website.