A Government move to give Irish houses high marks for energy efficiency has caused a row with environmentalists, who say the properties merit only a pass grade and must do better. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), a state body, says new houses that comply with building regulations should be given a B rating under a new grading system. It says a typical house deserves a B2. "A D would be more suitable," said Patrick Daly, a lecturer in sustainable design at Dublin Institute of Technology’s school of architecture. "A B rating supports the misconception that building regulations are advanced or of high quality, which is misleading. They are a minimal standard, which should be reflected in any rating." From January, every home built in Ireland will carry an energy-rating label on a scale from A1 to G3, similar to those found on washing machines and fridges. From January 2009, the scheme will be extended to all houses being sold or rented.
