DEC - Display Energy Certificate
DECs were introduced by the UK government in 2009 in response to the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. DECs rate public buildings based on their actual energy consumption (the operational rating) and allow members of the public to inspect the energy efficiency of the building. Our experienced DEC assessors are here to help if your building is due for an assessment.
For a quote or further advice get in touch.
Why were DECs introduced?
DECs were introduced with the aim of increasing transparency regarding the energy efficiency of non-domestic buildings. Before their introduction, it was impossible for members of the public to find out the energy consumption of most public buildings. A DEC works by placing public buildings on an A-to-G energy rating chart, with the scores based on the amount of metered energy used by the building over a 12 month period. A rating of A represents a very high efficiency, and a G means very low efficiency.
How do DECs work?
Qualified energy assessors who are accredited to produce DECs are the only people who can evaluate a public building and produce a DEC and accompanying Advisory Report. All members of the kW Energy Consultants team are fully accredited energy assessors and are able to produce DECs in Nottingham, the East Midlands and all over the UK.
Clients provide meter readings or consignment notes for all fuels used in the building for the previous 12 months, and then our assessors will review the data. The carbon dioxide emissions in the DEC are per square metre, so the total useful floor area is taken into account.
Our assessor will then produce your DEC to be publicly displayed, and an Advisory Report with suggestions on how to improve the energy performance of the building. In addition to this, our unique DEC MOT Service is available; a full energy audit and report with energy-saving recommendations, payback periods and funding routes to help keep your DEC healthy and your energy bills low; this service is only available for those that renew their DEC through us.
Who needs a DEC?
DECs are needed for all public buildings. In order to be a public building, a building must have:
A minimum of 250m2 useful floor area.
A publicly occupied space, meaning the land belongs to a governing body.
The building is regularly visited by members of the public.
If you are an occupier of a building that fits the characteristics mentioned above, you should consider a DEC.
Typical organisational structures that should have a DEC
Public libraries
Universities and other higher education institutions. Schools also fit in this fold.
Large central post offices are also viable candidates.
Courts, prisons, and police stations.
Health centres and residential/care homes
NHS trusts
Hospitals that aren’t private. An exception to the private hospitals is if they accept the admission of NHS patients.
Leisure centres with the exclusion of private health clubs.
Public authority sponsored art galleries and museums.
DEC regulations
A clear visible display of a DEC document on your public building is a mandatory requirement. Failing to display a DEC at all times can result in a £500 penalty charge notice from your local authority. A £1000 penalty charge may follow for failing to possess a valid Advisory Report.
The lifespan of a DEC
The lifespan of a DEC depends on the total useful floor area.
DECs for buildings with a total useful floor area of 1000m2 or greater are only valid for one year, with the Advisory Report valid for seven years.
DECs and advisory reports, for buildings with a total useful floor area of between 250m2 and 1000m2, are valid for 10 years
The make-up of a DEC
A DEC should contain the following information:
The operational rating, which shows the overall energy usage. Also, a methodology should be in place to determine the asset rating, if possible.
A two-year analysis to sum up the public building’s operational rating and how it has changed over time.
The current benchmarks or legal standings in the form of reference values.
A unique certificate reference number.
The target building’s address.
A summation of the building’s useful floor area in square meters.
The energy assessor’s full names, employer details, and accreditation scheme name.
The issuance date of the DEC document.
Get a quote
The production of an Advisory Report or a DEC requires an accredited energy assessor's skills and expertise. At kW Energy Consultants, our expert energy assessors provide DECs and advisory reports for public buildings all over Nottingham, the East Midlands and the rest of the UK. Reach us on 07837 941220 or email us at james@kwenergyconsultants.com to begin your DEC journey.
Feel free to also check out our other energy compliance services: MEES, commercial EPCs and BRUKL