Why Now Is the Moment to Improve Your BER Rating
Speaking to the Irish Independent, our Technical Director, Jason Collins, responds to the recent ESRI climate report.
With energy bills continuing to rise, now is an ideal time for homeowners to improve their BER rating and reduce long‑term energy costs. While a recent ESRI report suggests Ireland is falling behind on its climate targets, it does not fully capture the progress being made across the country. Speaking to the Irish Independent, our Technical Director Jason Collins outlines why the picture is more positive than it appears and what we need to accelerate delivery.
A More Complete View of Retrofit Progress
Jason highlights that the ESRI report does not account for recent updates to the SEAI grant scheme, including the new Better Energy Homes grant, improved supports for heat pumps, and enhanced grants for attic and cavity wall insulation. In many cases, cavity wall insulation is now almost cost-neutral once grants are applied, making it one of the quickest and most affordable upgrades.
The report also excludes deep retrofit projects completed under local authority programmes. When homes upgraded through the Warmer Homes Scheme are included, the number of deep retrofits delivered by SE Systems last year more than doubles.
Cost, Finance and Access
While cost remains a major barrier, Jason emphasises that grant supports can greatly reduce the upfront burden for homeowners. However, stronger education around available supports is essential.
He also believes access to finance could be improved. While low-interest loans are available through Credit Unions and government-backed schemes, inconsistent rates between providers create confusion. A standardised retrofit loan with a fixed rate could make financing clearer and more accessible for homeowners.
Fabric First and Smarter Energy Use
Education is crucial if Ireland is to achieve its retrofit targets. Jason highlights the importance of taking a “fabric-first” approach, which means prioritising insulation and airtightness before installing technologies like heat pumps or solar PV. As he puts it, “There is no point in throwing a heat pump into a house that is uninsulated.”
Homeowner behaviour also plays a major role in determining real-world energy performance. In theory, good insulation allows homes to retain heat and reduce energy demand. In practice, however, the person controlling the heating system can significantly influence outcomes. Without clear guidance, even the most efficient systems can underperform. Educating homeowners on how to properly manage their heating, PV, and storage systems is therefore essential to achieving real energy savings.
Designing for the Future
Whether retrofitting older homes or building new ones, Jason believes better design decisions are vital. We need to ensure homes retain heat without overheating and make the best use of available energy.
Ireland’s retrofit challenge is real, but progress is happening. Clearer education and more accessible finance will allow thousands more homeowners to take practical steps towards warmer homes, lower bills and better BERs.
