The Display Energy Certificate (DEC) will be required for all Public Buildings over 1,000 m² as from the 1st October 2008.

The definition of buildings in the public domain are principally places where members of the public have access to services. Examples of such buildings include: 

·         Public Libraries

·         Schools & Education Centres

·         Hospitals (Private Hospitals are excluded)

·         Care Homes under Local Authority control

·         Offices

·         Courts

·         NHS trusts

·         Police

·         Prisons

·         MOD

·         Army

·         Executive Agencies of the Government

·         Statutory regulatory bodies

·         Leisure Centres (but not private clubs)

·         Public golf club houses

·         Museums and Art Galleries which are sponsored by public authorities

Display Energy Certificates (DECs) show the actual energy usage of a building, the Operational Rating, and help the public see the energy efficiency of a building. This is based on the energy consumption of the building as recorded by gas, electricity and other meters.

The DEC should be clearly displayed at all times in a prominent place clearly visible to the public. A DEC is always accompanied by an Advisory Report that lists cost effective measures to improve the energy rating of the building.

Advisory Report

This report is a listing of recommendations provided by the energy assessor after completion of the energy survey. It will detail improvements that would improve the energy rating of the building. Such recommendations may include improved glazing or lighting for example, heating systems etc.

Display Energy Certificates are only required for buildings that are occupied by a public authority or an institution providing a public service to a large number of persons that with a total useful area greater than 1,000 m², they are valid for one year and the accompanying Advisory Report is valid for 7 years.

What does a Display Energy Certificate look like?
An example is shown opposite, the actual design is yet to be finalised but will be of A3 size format. It will be similar to the domestic counterpart in that it will display energy ratings in an A to G format, where A is the highest rating, and G the lowest rating. These certificates must be displayed in a prominent place within the building. The energy usage and carbon index calculations will be shown on the certificate. There will be penalties applied to the operators of buildings who fail to display a valid energy performance certificate & failure to supply the accompanying advisory report.

In the longer term, the Government has announced its intention to consult on whether this requirement should be extended to include private sector buildings occupied by commercial organisations where large numbers of members of the public regularly visit the building. This has yet to be defined and would be subject to separate legislation.

GreenRock Energy can provide your Display Energy Certificates. All DEC assessments are professionally carried out by our team of Accredited Energy Assessors.

Please see the contact us section to book an appointment or request further information.