Just one-in-20 new homes has achieved an A grade BER cert since the compulsory scheme was rolled out in 2007.
New figures from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland show that just 1,980 of almost 30,000 new homes rated so far for energy efficiency had achieved the top A grade rating.
Building Energy Ratings came into force in 2009 and are an indication of the energy performance of a home. From next week the BER must be included in all advertisements for homes.
The label has a scale that ranges from A to G, with A-rated homes (Green) being the most energy efficient, and G (Red) the least.
But very few got an A grade – within those that did, just seven received an A1 grade, 59 got A2 and 1,320 an A3.
The majority received B ratings, equating to the prevailing building regulations.
And most of the 320,000 older homes that had BER certs carried out prior to being sold or let were in the mid range C category.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) said few homes would have an A rating as it is a very high energy performing standard.
