Our team of accredited display energy certificate assessors help public sector organisations achieve legal compliance and improve the energy efficiency of their buildings. We’re a leading provider of DEC services, supporting clients in reducing their energy costs and carbon emissions.
When Are Display Energy Certificates (DEC) Required?
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) assess a building’s energy usage based on its annual consumption. In contrast, energy performance certificates evaluate the energy efficiency of a building by considering features such as insulation, windows, heating, lighting, and ventilation. An EPC is valid for 10 years, whereas a DEC may only be valid for one.
Similar to an EPC, buildings are rated on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and must be accompanied by a recommendation report outlining methods to further reduce energy consumption.
Display energy certificates are legally required for buildings in England and Wales that are fully or partially occupied by a public authority and are frequently visited by the public, with a total operational floor area exceeding 250 square metres.
Our Display Energy Certificate Services
ACI Reports is one of the UK’s leading providers of Display Energy Certificate (DEC) services for a diverse range of buildings, including law courts, schools, universities, historic buildings, museums, NHS Trusts, emergency services, and local authorities.
We’re driven by our customer-focused, solution-based consulting approach, offering tailored advice to help our clients reduce energy costs and carbon emissions effectively. Our processes are designed to keep disruption to an absolute minimum, complete with value-added services that ensure peace of mind.
- Reminder service for busy clients requiring annual reporting
- Health checks for all other environmental compliance requirements
- Professional advice on remedial measures & how to action them
- Guidance with DEC assessment legislation & fines
What to Expect from a DEC Assessment
All our accredited energy assessors act impartially, providing reliable and trusted reporting to ensure legal compliance for our clients. First, we will gather scaled floor plans and data from the meter readings for all fuels used over the latest 12 month period to understand the building’s energy consumption. Then, we can produce the DEC survey and recommendation report by:
- Reviewing the actual energy consumption data per the government-approved method which will include a site visit
- Measuring carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for the operational floor area & building type
- Reviewing measures for heating, cooling, insulation & lighting within the building
- Assessing on-site energy generation (e.g., renewables or carbon-neutral methods)
Following the DEC assessment, the display energy certificate will be submitted to the national DEC certificate register. The certificate must also be displayed in a highly visible place within the building to inform the visitors about its energy usage.
Trust ACI Reports
ACI Reports have an unrivalled reputation for building lasting partnerships with clients. Through open, transparent relationships built on trust, we can work together to achieve the optimal outcome for your project or scheme.
If you are looking for a professional and credible company to carry out a single DEC or multiple DECs on your behalf, then please contact ACI Reports for a quotation. All we need to know is the type, address, and scaled plans of the building requiring the display energy certificate.
ACI Reports has a team of experienced assessors ready to carry out display energy certificate services for your next project. Get in touch for a quotation!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a display energy certificate?
Display energy certificates were initially introduced to improve the energy performance of public buildings in England and Wales. They measure the overall energy consumption of the building over the past year. The DEC is a legal requirement enforced by Trading Standards Officers, and the ratings must be visible to visitors within the building.
How long is a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) valid for?
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) are valid for 1 year if the building has a total operational floor area of more than 1,000 square metres. For buildings with a total operational floor area of 250 square metres to 1,000 square metres, the DEC will be valid for 10 years.
If your DEC is out of date, ACI Reports can pick up from where the expiry left off, but only if we are instructed within 3 months. Provided we get the new report in place quickly, you are unlikely to receive a penalty.
What are the penalties for not having a DEC?
If your building does not display a valid Display Energy Certificate (DEC) in a place prominently visible to the public, your local authority may issue a penalty charge notice of £500. If your building does not possess a valid DEC at all, they may issue a penalty charge notice of £1,000.
Can I use an EPC instead of a DEC?
No. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) serve different purposes and are required for different reasons. An EPC measures the energy efficiency of a building's fabric and services (like insulation, windows, and heating systems), while a DEC measures the actual energy consumption of a building over a 12-month period. A DEC is a legal requirement for certain public buildings, and an EPC cannot be used as a substitute.
Who is responsible for a DEC?
It is the responsibility of the occupier (the organisation renting / using the space) to arrange a DEC assessment and display a valid certificate. This is because the use of a commercial building is usually dictated by the occupier, rather than the owner.
What is the DEC certificate register?
After a DEC assessment, the valid report must be submitted to the national DEC certificate register. The certificate should also be displayed in a visible place within the building to inform visitors about its energy use.
Do schools need a display energy certificate?
Yes. All buildings occupied by a public service organisation must display a valid display energy certificate. This applies to schools, colleges, universities, libraries, and council buildings. If you need a DEC certificate for a school then ACI Reports can help, just get in touch.
How do I find a DEC assessor?
Only an accredited energy assessor can produce a Display Energy Certificate (DEC). You can find a registered DEC assessment and report provider on the Government website. ACI Reports can also source an accredited energy assessor for you.
What is the difference between a DEC and a Recommendation Report?
The Display Energy Certificate is the main document that provides a rating based on the building's energy consumption. The Recommendation Report (RR) is a separate but essential document that must accompany the DEC. The RR outlines specific, tailored suggestions for how the building's energy consumption could be reduced, such as improving insulation, upgrading lighting, or adjusting heating controls.