The system for Building Energy Certifications (BERs) is being changed to simplify its structure and standardise it across the EU.

BER certificates are a measure of your home’s energy efficiency. It displays a scale ranging from A (most efficient) down to G (least efficient), with multiple sub categories in between.

Each rating on the scale has a threshold of energy efficiency that a property must reach to move up a letter.

From May 24 onwards the scale of classifications for BER is being simplified to remove the subratings for each letter on the scale, such A3 or E2.

A new category is also being added at the top of the scale A0, which indicates that a property uses zero fossil fuels.

The new scale will have just 8 categories in total G – A and A0.

BER Certificates will also display more information specific to your property and what are the best areas for improvement.

A BER cert is meant to provide an easy to understand way for renters or home buyers to determine how energy efficient a home is.

This is important since it has major implications for the cost of heating, any future renovations that may be needed, and the value of a property.

If you have already gotten a BER for your home, it won’t be affected by the changes. Any existing BER certs will remain valid for 10 years from the date they were issued.

The only exception to this is if you get new energy improvements done to your home after May 24.

Read our guide to BER Certificates to learn more about how your home is assessed and when you need to have one.