Display Energy Certificates for Public Buildings

What This Requirement Covers

A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) is required for public authority buildings in England and Wales with a useful floor area of more than 250 m2 that are frequently visited by the public. Unlike EPCs (which are based on calculated performance), DECs show the actual energy consumption of the building based on metered data.

Key Requirements

When a DEC Is Required

1. All buildings occupied by a public authority (local authorities, government departments, NHS trusts, police, fire services, etc.) with a useful floor area of more than 250 m2 that are frequently visited by the public
2. The DEC must be displayed in a prominent position clearly visible to the public

The DEC Rating

1. DECs use a scale from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient), similar to EPCs
2. The rating is based on a comparison of the building's actual energy consumption (from energy bills) with a benchmark for that type of building
3. A building rated D is considered to be performing at the benchmark level
4. The DEC includes the building's CO2 emissions from energy use

Advisory Report

1. An Advisory Report must be prepared alongside the DEC
2. The report recommends cost-effective energy-saving measures and is valid for 7 years
3. The advisory report should be used to plan energy improvement works

Validity

1. DECs for buildings over 1000 m2: Valid for 1 year (must be renewed annually)
2. DECs for buildings 250-1000 m2: Valid for 10 years

Enforcement

1. Failure to display a valid DEC is an offence
2. Local weights and measures authorities (Trading Standards) enforce DEC requirements
3. A fixed penalty of GBP 500 may be imposed for non-compliance (buildings 250-1000 m2) or GBP 1,000 (buildings over 1000 m2)

Practical Compliance Tips

1. Identify all buildings in your portfolio that require a DEC and maintain a schedule of renewal dates
2. Collect energy meter readings and energy bills for the 12-month period before each DEC assessment
3. Use the Advisory Report recommendations to prioritise energy improvement works
4. Sub-metering of energy by end-use (heating, lighting, small power) helps identify opportunities for savings
5. Compare DEC ratings year-on-year to track energy performance trends
6. Engage a qualified DEC assessor (Level 3 or 4 energy assessor) for the assessment
7. Display the DEC in the main entrance or reception area where it is visible to visitors