Display Energy Certificates (DECs) show the actual energy usage of a building, its Operational Rating, and provide information to the public in relation to the energy efficiency of a building. The certificate must be displayed in a visible place at all times.
Operational Rating means a numeric indicator of the amount of energy consumed during the occupation of the building over a period of 12 months.
The Display Energy Certificate differs from its domestic/commercial EPC counterpart in that the DEC incorporates an Asset Rating and Operational Rating. As of December 2009 DECs are only issued for public buildings.
Asset Rating means a numerical indicator of the amount of energy estimated to meet the different needs associated with a standardised use of a building, calculated according to the methodology approved by the UK Secretary of State.
The DEC is valid for a period of 12 months (renewed per annum). The accompanying Advisory Report is valid for 7 years. The Advisory Report may specify recommendations to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. The asset owner must retain possession of this report. Currently it is not mandatory to comply with the recommendations made in the Advisory Report.
Failure to display
The penalty is £500 for failing to display a DEC in a prominent place - clearly visible to the public - at all times, and £1,000 for failing to have possession of a valid Advisory Report. A maximum fine of £5,000 may be imposed dependant on the nature of the breach of regulations.
Which types of buildings are affected?
Only buildings with a total useful floor area of 1,000m2 that are occupied, or part occupied, either by public authorities and institutions providing public services to a large number of people are affected by this legislation.
Where a building is partly occupied by a public authority, or a relevant institution, the authority or institution is responsible for displaying a DEC and having a valid Advisory Report.
Other private organisations occupying the building, irrespective of the size they occupy, do not need to display a DEC. Please refer to the relevant CLG DEC guides displayed on our Helpful Terms/Glossary page.
Note: From December 2010 The European Commission is proposing to extend the scope of DECs by lowering the building size threshold. From January 2011 it also plans to include commercial buildings accessed by large numbers of the public.
Syntegra Consulting have a number of experienced and qualified DEC consultants that are able to offer our DEC services throughout the UK. For more information as to how we can assist as DEC consultants on your project please contact us.
