What is a DEC?
A DEC (Display Energy Certificate) is a legal requirement in England, Ireland and Wales. It is a document which advises of the energy efficiency of a public building and must be displayed for the public to see.
If you are in Scotland, the building must have an Energy Performance Certificate instead of a DEC, although it can be used to defer the implementation of Section 63 Action Plans.
Display Energy Certificate FAQs
Who needs a DEC?
In England, Wales and Ireland, according to the law, public authorities need to have a Display Energy Certificate for any building which meets all the following criteria:
- It is occupied by a public authority — partially or fully — such as a college, NHS building, leisure centres, museums or council premises
- The total floor area is over 250m2
- It is visited frequently by the public — regardless of the number of people who visit
If your building meets all of these criteria, you must get a DEC, and have it publicly displayed.
If you have a private building, you may choose to have a DEC if you wish — although you might need to have an EPC carried out if you sell or rent out your property.
What does a DEC tell people?
A DEC will tell you and the public about the actual energy which was consumed by the building and give it an energy rating of between A and G (with A being the most energy efficient). The assessor will look at energy bills for the building and compare them to a benchmark set by a building which is similar in type.
It gives details of the current year and the past two years’ energy consumption, as well as carbon emissions, allowing people to compare how they have performed over the past couple of years.
An advisory report (AR) will also be provided which will give the building owners a general list of recommendations into how energy saving can be made in the future — including operational improvements as well as technical improvements.
How long does it last?
Once you’ve had your DEC carried out, the length of time that it will be valid for depends on the size of the property.
- If the total useful floor area is over 1000m2, the certificate is valid for 1 year, and the AR should be renewed every 7 years
- If the total useful floor area is between 250m2 and 1000m2, both the certificate and AR are valid for 10 years
Displaying your DEC
It is not good enough to have only had the assessment done, building owners must also display the DEC in a prominent public place, by law. Many people display it by the front entrance to their building or near to a reception desk. If you cannot find a DEC for a building, contact the occupier.
If you do not display your DEC somewhere that is easy for the public to find and access, you will be liable to a £500 fine. You can also be fined £1000 if you don’t have a DE or valid AR.
If you don’t have a valid DEC or AR, you will need to organise getting one as soon as possible, and are liable for more penalties until you do have one.
If, however, you have evidence that you have tried to get your DEC and AR, any penalties incurred to you must be withdrawn.
How to get a Display Energy Certificate
If you own a building that is used for public services and fits the criteria above, you will need to have a DEC.
Here at Nexus Energy, our team of friendly energy experts are on hand to carry out your DEC and AR whenever and wherever in the UK, you need it.
Our assessors are all members of industry accredited organisations and dedicated to helping to cut energy that is wasted and lessen our impact on the planet, saving both the environment and money for our customers.
If you are looking for a DEC, why not get in touch with us here at Nexus Energy, today?
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