THIRTY-SIX years on, Ireland now has to comply with strict new EU rules to cut the cost of heating our homes. Many of us are unaware of the new rules. Or maybe we just don’t believe that they will catch on here.

Energy savings are fine for eco-warriors and the Greens – very laudable, but for somebody else. But the regulations are tightening.

Little more than six months from now, the vendors of all existing homes must furnish an energy rating certificate (called a “BER” certificate, for building energy rating). It makes commercial sense to save money on energy. Now it’s the law and the purchasers’ solicitors will have their hands out. No choice.

The newly required BER certificates will make the energy performance of a property visible, “making it a key consideration in the house purchase”, according to Paula Rice of Sustainable Energy Ireland.

The new rules will also apply to the letting of properties and landlords must furnish the certificate to possible tenants.

The end of this month is the deadline for substantial completion of new homes, failing which they will require the new certificates. They will be required, in any event, if planning permission was only sought since the beginning of last year.

These certificates will become part of the bundle of title documents of a house or apartment.

They will be required when house or apartment owners want to sell on or even change the mortgage.

John Gormley, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is spearheading proposals requiring what he called “dramatic improvement in energy efficiency standards in Irish homes” including an initial 40 per cent improvement in energy efficiency.