The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI ) this week launched an enhanced Building Energy Rating (BER ) which will make it easier for homeowners to have a warmer, more comfortable home with lower energy bills.
The new BER Advisory Report gives homeowners a personalised roadmap to bring their home up to an energy rating of B2 or better. It sets out the upgrades likely to have the biggest impact, with broad advice on likely costs.
There are approximately 1.3 million homes in Ireland that need to be upgraded to make them more energy efficient. The new Advisory Report will help achieve the Climate Action Plan target of 500,000 B2 upgrades and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in homes by 2030.
Darragh O’Brien T.D., Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage said: "I am very pleased to support this new BER advisory report from SEAI, which provides helpful and accessible information on measures available to homeowners to improve the comfort and energy performance of their home.
"In addition, it provides information on how to decrease energy bills and their carbon footprint. These upgrades can result in health benefits for occupants arising from improved air quality and comfort. This report will help achieve our goal to provide sustainable, energy-efficient housing into the future."
Homeowners will receive an Advisory Report following a BER assessment of their home. SEAI advises homeowners that a BER Assessment must be carried out by a SEAI registered BER Assessor. Each personalised Advisory Report will follow a simple three step approach: Address heat loss with insulation; Improve energy efficiency of heating, lighting, ventilation; and add renewable technologies such as solar thermal or photovoltaic (PV ).
Speaking about the new Advisory Report William Walsh, CEO of SEAI, said: "The new Advisory Report will really empower Irish homeowners to make sound investments in their homes, their comfort, and their wellbeing.
"SEAI also has a range of grants to help fund the cost of these home energy upgrades and works. And there are a growing number of partners that will manage the entire upgrade process end-to-end, including the handling of the grant application for homeowners."
Further information on contacting a BER Assessor for an Advisory Report is available on the SEAI webpage at https://www.seai.ie/home-energy/building-energy-rating-ber/
