Ireland to Introduce New A0 Energy Rating for Zero-Emission Homes from May 24

Ireland is updating its Building Energy Rating (BER) system from May 24th, introducing a new A0 category for zero-emission homes. This change, mandated by the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), simplifies the current 15-point scale to eight grades: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, with all subcategories removed. The new A0 rating will apply to homes with very high energy performance that do not use fossil fuels.

The Department of Housing stated these changes aim for greater comparability across EU BER scales. BERs measure a property’s energy usage based on insulation and heating system efficiency. Existing BER certificates will remain valid for 10 years from their issue date for sale or rent obligations. However, any new certificates issued after May 24th will use the updated scale.

Minister for Housing James Browne noted that the A0 rating sets a higher standard for energy efficiency in new builds from 2030. He emphasized that most Irish households would not be immediately impacted as existing certificates remain valid. In 2022, BER audits increased by 47 percent to 122,654, with the final quarter recording the highest number of audits ever at 37,094.