Eco Evolution Blog

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) Press Release 21 February 2010

Figures released today (21 February 2010) from Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) reveal that
over 100,000 Irish homes have had Building Energy Ratings (BERs) completed to date, the
majority of which were completed since January 2009, the first year for full
implementation of the BER scheme. Introduced in 2007 as part of a European Directive to
improve the energy performance of homes, the rate of BER publications has steadily
increased in 2009 , averaging 300 per day, and indicating an increasing awareness of, and
compliance with, the legislation.
Initially the scheme only applied to new homes, but since 1 January 2009 all homes being
sold or rented are also required to have a BER certificate that shows prospective buyers or
tenants the energy performance of the home. Research shows that landlords are the
group most aware of the need for a BER certificate, with awareness now at 76%. While
awareness is improving in most quarters, tenants looking to rent are the least aware of
their entitlement to get a BER cert with awareness only at 38%.
Commenting on the BER programme, Minister for Communications, Energy, and Natural
Resources, Eamon Ryan TD said: “The BER Scheme is a practical scheme which helps
current and prospective homeowners make informed choices when selecting or upgrading
a property. The success of the scheme last year shows that the energy performance and
efficiency of a property is becoming increasingly important for Irish homeowners. ”
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley TD said: “The
systems now in place and the increasing consumer awareness will be important factors in
the continuous improvement of the energy performance of our building stock. This will
help underpin future Building Regulation changes and efforts to upgrade existing
buildings. ”
Professor Owen Lewis, Chief Executive SEI, said: “Putting aside the difficult economic
conditions in 2009, the first year of full operation of the BER scheme has been a successful
one. However, there are many homes for sale or rent out there that have not yet been
assessed, and need to be, if they are not to fall foul of the regulations. SEI is calling on
people who are looking to buy or rent homes to insist upon receiving a BER certificate as
their right, so they are fully informed of the energy performance before finalising any
property transactions. ”

Source: http://www.sei.ie/News_Events/Press_Releases/100,000_BERs_issued.html