In Ireland, there are almost 211,000 commercial buildings which include a wide range of business sectors including hotels and accommodation, restaurants and pubs, retail spaces, office buildings, industrial facilities including warehouses, factories and distribution centres.
These buildings may be owned or leased by the occupying business. Natural gas and oil are the fuels most used for space and water heating and are the largest contributors to a building’s emissions.
While becoming more energy efficient looks different for every business, and decarbonising commercial buildings is a complex challenge for both building owners and occupants, there are many benefits.
- Cost savings
Reducing energy use reduces cost. This can be achieved through energy efficiency measures and investing in renewable technologies such as heat pumps.
- Reducing carbon footprint
Being resource efficient is good for the environment.
- Comfort
Improving air quality and well-managed heating and cooling of space and water creates more a pleasant environment for staff and customers.
- Attract and retain customers
Consumers, customers and governments are looking for suppliers of sustainable products and services.
- Competitiveness
Investing in the energy efficiency of buildings reduces risk, creates and protects value and makes them more sustainable and attractive to buyers or tenants.
Resources
The Enabling National Action for Commercial Take-up of Retrofitting (ENACT) initiative provides useful information for businesses, case studies and practical guidance for SME owners and occupiers of commercial building navigate energy upgrades more easily.
New non-domestic Building Energy Ratings (BER) scale
A simplified Building Energy Rating (BER) scale for non-domestic properties will come into effect on 24 May 2026, which is a requirement under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). From 24 May 2026 there will be a standardised scale across the EU.
All existing BERs remain valid for the remainder of their 10-year validity period including for all mandatory requirements such as the selling or renting of the building unless major renovations take place.
It is important to note that the energy performance of the building has not changed but the standards for building energy performance have increased as technology improves and the new non-domestic BER scale reflects this.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is responsible for the management and oversight of the BER system and has comprehensive information on the new BER scale.