A Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate is an indication of the energy performance of a home or building. A BER certificate is accompanied by an Advisory Report which identifies how you might improve the energy performance of your home or building.

BER is the calculated energy use for space and hot water heating, ventilation and lighting based on standard occupancy. A BER is similar to the energy label for a household electrical appliance like your fridge. The label has a scale of A-G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and will tend to have the lowest energy bills.

A BER is compulsory for all homes and buildings offered for sale or rent. A BER is also required before a new home or building is occupied for the first time.

There are exemptions for certain categories of homes, for example, protected structures.

Advertisements must include BER details when a home is offered for sale or rent.