Display Energy Certificates (DECs)

Since 1st October 2008 public buildings over 1,000m2 need to display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) in a prominent place clearly visible to the public. DECs will need to be updated every year.

A DEC shows the energy performance of a building based on actual energy consumption as recorded annually, unlike the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which is an estimate of the energy efficiency and usage of the building. The DEC gives an indication of the building’s operational efficiency taking into account the building type and actual energy consumed over a 12 month period.

It is accompanied by an Advisory Report which contains information on energy saving initiatives that are appropriate for the building. The report is valid for 7 years, giving the building owners time to follow up the recommendations.

To make it easier for public authorities with multiple buildings on one site to comply with the legislation, a site-based approach for the first year only, is to be allowed where it is not possible to produce individual DECs. This means that only one DEC will need to be produced based on the total energy consumption of the buildings on the site. Public bodies most likely to be affected by this approach are NHS Trusts, universities and schools.
Obtaining a DEC can be quite a complex procedure; Green Compliance can assist with and manage all stages of the process.

For further advice and details of how we can assist you, please contact us.