Simplified Building Energy Rating for non-residential buildings to be introduced from 24th May 2026

A simplified Building Energy Rating (BER) scale for non-residential buildings will be introduced from the 24th May 2026 under requirements of the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Following the simplification of the BER scale for

residential properties announced earlier this month, the new 8 point scale for non-residential buildings will similarly go from A to G, with a new A0 category to be introduced for zero-emission buildings that do not use fossil fuels.

The scale for non-residential buildings will apply to public buildings, hotels, retail and office space amongst others. The new EU requirements are part of the drive to reduce greenhouse gases and improve the energy performance of buildings within the European Union. These changes will lead to a harmonised approach to BERs across the European Union, allowing greater comparability of the energy efficiency of building stock amongst EU Member States.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, TD, said:

“The simplification of the BER scales for non-residential buildings follows the recent introduction of the new scale for residential properties earlier this month, under the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. A simplified, common scale from A to G will now be used in both residential and non-residential buildings and a new class known as A-Zero (‘A0’) will be introduced to reflect the very highest performing buildings in terms of energy efficiency. The non-residential building sector is by no means uniform in terms of energy use, covering a range of building types from public buildings, to commercial and office premises. With that variety of use in mind, my Department has been working to introduce the A0 rating and to simplify the BER scale in a way that minimises disruption to building owners, while complying with the new EU requirements.”

The revised BER certificate will contain additional metrics on energy use, climate related performance and recommendations for improvements to energy performance for BER holders. All existing BER certs remain valid for mandatory requirements such as sale, rent or advertisement of a property. Existing BER certs remain valid from their date of issue for up to ten years.