How green is a 'green' house? Try 40 shades of confusion

Kya deLongchamps explores the Home Performance Index, a certified standard in energy efficient building that is already eclipsing a lofty A2 BER

Mon, 02 Jun, 2025 - 11:40

Talking to passive house expert Jeff Colley, journalist Kya deLongchamps hears that an A2 BER does not guarantee energy efficiency

COLOUR us confused...

With ‘green’ mortgages and home-improvement loans on offer from building societies, banks, and credit unions, Irish house buyers and self-builders have been coaxed in to the belief that a BER of A2 is the gold standard for sustainable construction. Today’s new home has to be 70% more energy efficient than in 2005. That’s merely legal compliance. However, what’s tinted a smug emerald by marketeers in the Irish banking sector is not regarded as high accomplishment by energy efficient builders and designers across Europe.

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