Display Energy Certificate (DEC)
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Display Energy Certificate (DEC) Overview
Display Energy Certificates (DEC) show the actual energy usage of a building, its Operational Rating, and offer information to the public in relation to the energy efficiency of a building. The certificate must always be displayed in a visible place.
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, since December 2009 DECs have only been 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 per the methodology approved by the UK Secretary of State.
Where the building has a total useful floor area of more than 1,000m2, the DEC is valid for 12 months and the accompanying Advisory Report is valid for 7 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.
The Advisory Report may specify recommendations to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The asset owner must keep 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 dependent on the nature of the breach of regulations.
Which types of buildings are affected?
Only buildings with a total useful floor area of 250m2 that are occupied, or part occupied, either by public authorities and institutions offering public services to large volumes 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 handles 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.
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