DECs

Display Energy Certificates (DEC) And Recommendation Report (RR)


Display Energy CertificateWhat is a Display Energy Certificate?

A Display Energy Certificate is a document that shows the energy performance of a building. The calculation is based on the actual energy consumption of the building as recorded annually. DECs are designed to promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings. They are based upon actual energy usage of a building and increase transparency about energy efficiency. The certificate looks similar to the energy labels provided on electrical appliances such as fridges and freezers - it uses a similar scale for energy efficiency, i.e. from A to G with A being the most efficient and G the least.

 

Why are Display Energy Certificates required?

Certificates were introduced by the British Government in response to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. This is an initiative to raise public awareness of energy consumption.


What type of buildings require a Display Energy Certificate?

From July 9th 2015, all public buildings with a total useful floor area greater than 250m² are required to have a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) and Recommendation Report.

Any building that is wholly or partly in use by public authorities or public service institutions are required by law to produce a DEC certificate and a Recommendation Report. The Display Energy Certificate must be displayed in a prominent place where it is clearly visible to members of the public.

These public authorities include:

  • Central and local government
  • NHS trusts
  • Schools, colleges, universities
  • Police stations
  • Courts
  • Statutory regulatory bodies
  • Leisure centres (but not private clubs)
  • Hospitals, Nursing homes, etc
  • Municipal golf clubhouses
  • Public Libraries
  • Museums & Art Galleries provided by Public Authorities

What does an Recommendation Report contain?

The Recommendation Report includes a series of recommendations for possible improvements ranging from zero and low cost operational management improvements to the more expensive measures such as changing building fabric or services and the addition of low and zero carbon (LZC) technologies.
The report is intended to help the occupier identify factors that could improve the building’s energy management and thus reducing energy use and CO2 emissions.
 

Penalties for not having a DEC certificate

There is penalty of £500 for not displaying a current Display Energy Certificate in a public place and a £1000 for not having a valid Recommendation Report.

 

For further information contact our customer service team;

DEC