Display Energy Certificates (DEC)
Display Energy Certificates are required for Public Buildings
DECs are designed to promote the improvement of the energy performance of public buildings. This will be based upon actual energy usage of a building and increase transparency about the energy efficiency of public buildings.
Since 1 October 2008 public buildings in the UK over 1,000m2 must display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) prominently at all times
- All public buildings of 1,000 m2 or more occupied by a public authority or an institution that provides public services are required to show the actual energy usage of the building.
- DECs are valid for 12 months and must be updated annually.
Public buildings have to be assessed for their efficiency through the display energy certificate system. These certificates are to be positioned in a prominent position within the building for all visitors to see
- A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) gives information about the energy usage of a building that is accessed frequently and regularly by the public.
- Your building will receive an Operational Rating (OR) which relates to its energy usage and CO2 emissions over a period of 12 months.
- This rating translates to a building category from A to G, with A being the best performing and G being the worst.
- Along with the DEC you get an advisory report showing how you can improve and reduce your buildings energy usage. This may include improved glazing, changes to lighting, heating and air conditioning systems, etc.
The A3 sized certificate is valid for one year and is accompanied by an Advisory Report (AR) which is valid for seven years. The advisory report is designed to help building owners occupiers to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings so that future DECs show a better rating. ARs do not need to be displayed, but must be available
The penalty for failing to display a DEC where required is £500 and the penalty for
not having an advisory report available is £1,000. However, the enforcement
authority is usually the local authority, so the system is largely self policing.
In the future the Government is expected to extend the requirement for DECs
to smaller public buildings and perhaps to large privately owned buildings
which the public have access to, such as supermarkets.
Two Tone Sustainability can offer this service at a highly competitive rate
and reduce costs further with multiple buildings awarded.
If you require any further information,
or would like to discuss how we
can help your organisation,
please contact Two Tone Sustainability at your earliest opportunity. |