Display Energy Certificates (DEC)

What is a Display Energy Certificate?

 

A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) shows the energy performance of a building, based on the operational rating, on a graphical scale from A (very efficient) to G (least efficient). A DEC must be accompanied by an advisory report which outlines how the organisation can reduce their energy consumption.

When are Display Energy Certificates required?

A DEC is required:

  • If the building is a frequently visited public building
  • If the building has a total floor area of over 250 m²
  • If occupied by local authority or any public used building

For a building to fall within the requirement for a DEC it must:

  • have a roof and walls; and
  • use energy to condition the indoor climate. This is the case where the building has any of the following fixed services: heating, mechanical ventilation or air conditioning.

 

Why do I need a Display Energy Certificate?

DECs were introduced to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings and to inform visitors about a building’s energy usage.

The energy efficiency rating provided by the DEC allows Compliance365 to make recommendations to you that should improve your building’s energy efficiency.

Our team of energy consultants can advise you on how you can maximise your energy efficiency.

The penalty for failure to display a DEC is £500 and a further £1000 for failure to obtain an advisory report.

What are you required to do?

In collaboration with the assessor, the occupier will be required to obtain actual meter readings or energy bills for all fuels used in the buildings that are affected by the legislation.

You can retrieve the information that is required to produce a DEC from a variety of sources:

  • On-site energy meter
  • The building landlord or representative
  • The utility supplier
  • The district heating/cooling provider

 

How long is a Display Energy Certificate valid for?

Where the building has a total useful floor area of more than 1,000 m², the DEC is valid for 12 months. The accompanying advisory report is valid for 7 years. Where the building has a total useful floor area of between 250 m² and 1000 m², the DEC and advisory report are valid for 10 years.

What is an Advisory Report? 

An Advisory Report is put in place to enable the occupier to identify what can be done to improve the building.

The report may contain a variety of recommendations that can be implemented in the property to help improve its energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. There is no mandatory requirement to implement any of the recommendations provided.

Compliance365’s experience

Compliance365 has experience in providing DECs for a variety of sectors across the UK such as the NHS, Schools, Universities and Councils.

Our Energy and Carbon Consultants are fully accredited to produce DECs and Advisory Reports, making recommendations specific to your building, on how we can help you improve the energy efficiency and reduce your carbon emissions.

We manage each company’s portfolio on our unique cloud system, which automatically notifies us when a company’s DEC is due to expire, enabling us to send reminders ensuring you stay compliant with the legislation.

Compliance365 is the trading name of Energy & Compliance Technology Limited. Registered Office 3 Paragon, Red Hall Crescent, Wakefield, WF1 2DF. Registration No 07311760. VAT No. 115198421