Useful information about DEC
What is a Display Energy Certificate?
A
Display Energy Certificate shows the energy performance of a building based on its actual
annual energy
consumption and the CO2 emissions that result from that energy use.
This is shown as a rating from A to G, where
A has the lowest CO2 emissions (best) and G the highest CO2 emissions (worst).
The rating
is also shown as a number. A typical building of its type would have a rating of 100. A building with twice the typical CO2 emissions would have a rating of 200.
A DEC must be accompanied by an Advisory Report containing recommendations for
improvement of the energy performance of the building.
A DEC must be placed in a prominent place clearly visible to the public. It's
recommended the certificate should be no smaller than A3 size.
How long is a DEC valid for?
A DEC is valid only 1 year and must be renewed every 12 months ,but
the Advisory Report is valid for 7 years.
Why has DEC been introduced?
DEC
has been introduced to raise public awareness of energy use by displaying energy information about the building they are
visiting. It is important that the public service sector leads the way in the campaign to tackle CO2 emissions.
Which type
of building requires a DEC?
A DEC
is required for buildings which are in excess
of 1000 m2 and occupied by either a Public Authority
or an Institution providing
a public service and visited by the public.
An affected organization must display a DEC in a prominent place clearly
visible to the public and have in its possession or control a valid Advisory Report.
What
is the requirement for large public buildings on a site or campus?
This refers to a site like a university, a hospital, a school, for example.
- If metering is at the site level rather than the building level. In such cases the DEC should be based on the metered
site energy demands, and the energy used by each building would be determined from the site energy consumption on a simple
area weighted basis.
A DEC should be displayed (and the AR produced) for each qualifying building.
- If the total area of buildings on
the site is greater than 1,000m2, but this area comprises several individual buildings none of which is
greater than 1,000m2, the requirement does not apply.
Does a hall of residence or a care home require a DEC?
Yes. Friends and relatives will
normally visit Halls of Residence and therefore a DEC will be required. Likewise a Local Authority care home where friends
and relatives visit will require a DEC.
What factors would contribute to a DEC rating?
- Building category
- Location
- Energy consumption
- Building
gross internal area
- Separable energy use
- Occupancy
A local authority can issue a penalty charge notice of £500 for failing to display a DEC at all times in a
prominent place clearly visible to the public, and £1,000 for failing to possess or have in their control a valid advisory
report.
