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DISPLAY ENERGY CERTIFICATE (DEC)

As part of the government’s updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive effective 9th July 2015, Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and Advisory Reports (ARs) are required for all public buildings where the floor area exceeds 250 m2 and which is frequently visited by the public.  Public authorities and institutions that provide public services or occupy buildings that are frequently visited by the public must display a certificate that shows the building’s energy performance.

When DECs are required


From 9 January 2013, if you are an occupier of a building requiring a DEC, you will need to display a DEC showing an operational rating in a prominent place clearly visible to the public. You will also need to have in your possession or control a valid advisory report.


If you are a new occupier, or have been in occupation for less than 15 months by 9 January 2013, you may not have the previous 12 months of meter readings available that are required for an operational rating. The legislation makes provisions for calculation over the period of occupation in these cases.


Validity period of DECs


Where the building has a total useful floor area of more than 1,000m², the DEC is valid for 12 months. The accompanying advisory report is valid for seven years. Where the building has a total useful floor area of between 250m² and 1000m², the DEC and advisory report are valid for 10 years.
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) show the actual energy usage of a building, the Operational Rating, and help the public see the energy efficiency of a building. This is based on the energy consumption of the building as recorded by gas, electricity and other meters.

Types of buildings that are affected by the legislation include:


  • Central government and local authority buildings
  • libraries
  • public sports facilities such as leisure centres
  • education centres such as schools, universities and colleges
  • NHS trusts and hospitals
  • Police, court and prison buildings
  • Armed forces buildings
  • MOD property