What are DECs?
DEC stands for Display Energy Certificate, which is a document that shows how energy efficient a public building is. DECs are required for certain public buildings.
What are the Display Energy Certificate (DEC) Requirements?
A DEC must be provided for a building (or part of a building which is designed or altered to be used separately) with a total useful floor area of over 250 m2 (total useful floor area is defined as the total area of all enclosed spaces measured to the internal face of the external walls, including areas such as staircases and galleries) which is occupied by a public authority. (A public authority includes central or local government departments and some non-departmental public bodies).
The building must also be frequently visited by members of the public to receive a public service. Since a DEC is designed for public information there is no reason to provide one if it will never or only exceptionally be seen by a member of the public (for example, the building is only visited by employees or by invitation).
What are the Display Energy Certificate (DEC) Regulations?
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) are governed by specific regulations to ensure compliance and promote energy efficiency in public buildings. Here are the key points of the regulations:
Applicability:
DECs are required for public buildings with a total useful floor area over 250 square meters that are frequently visited by the public.
Validity:
For buildings over 1,000 square meters, DECs are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
For buildings between 250 and 1,000 square meters, DECs are valid for ten years.
Advisory Report:
An advisory report, which contains recommendations for improving the building’s energy performance, must accompany the DEC. This report is valid for seven years.
Display Requirements:
DECs must be displayed in a prominent location within the building where they are clearly visible to the public.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Organisations failing to display a valid DEC or not having a valid advisory report can face fines. For example, failing to display a DEC can result in a fine of £1,500.
These regulations are part of the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations, which aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in public buildings
What organisations are included in the Display Energy Certificate (DEC) Regulations?
Public authorities and institutions would include, for example:
• NHS Trusts
• healthcare centres (but not private care/nursing homes)
• hospitals (but not private hospitals unless NHS patients are admitted as well)
• leisure centres (but not private health clubs)
• schools and higher education authorities, including universities (but not private schools)
• large central post offices
• police stations, prisons and courts
• public libraries and
• museums and art galleries sponsored by public authorities
The aim of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is for the public to receive energy information about a building they are visiting.
Who is responsible for ensuring that a DEC is displayed?
It is the responsibility of every occupier of a building affected by the EPC Regulations to display a DEC in a prominent place clearly visible to the public and to have in his/her possession a valid advisory report.
Interactive DEC image
Check a public building’s Display Energy Certificate
Find out about a public building’s energy use and carbon emissions by checking the Display Energy Certificate (DEC).