Important deadline approaches for Display Energy Certificate renewals
Many public buildings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are nearing an important deadline to renew their Display Energy Certificates (DECs).
What is a DEC?
A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) shows the energy performance of a building based on actual energy consumption.
The energy performance of a public building is presented as a rating on a sliding ‘A’ to ‘G’ scale, with ‘A’ being the most efficient (low CO2 emissions) and ‘G’ being the least efficient (high CO2 emissions). The rating itself is based on the actual energy consumption as recorded over the last 12 months within the validity period of the DEC.
An Advisory Report is also provided alongside a DEC, with provides the recommendations for improving the energy performance of the building.
Which buildings require a DEC?
A DEC and accompanying Advisory Report are required for all public buildings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For a building to fall within the requirement for a DEC, it must:
- be at least partially occupied by a public authority (e.g. council, leisure centre, college or NHS trust)
- have a total floor area of over 250 square metres
- be frequently visited by the public
The period in which a DEC is valid depends on the total useful floor area. If it is between 250m² and 1000m² then both the DEC and Advisory Report are valid for 10 years. However, if it is more than 1000m² then the DEC is only valid for 1 year and the Advisory Report is valid for 7 years.
Failure to have a DEC or accompanying Advisory Report could result in a financial penalty.
Upcoming Display Energy Certificate Renewals
On 9 July 2015, the threshold for requiring a DEC was reduced from buildings larger than 500m² to include those over 250m². In consequence, all public buildings with a floor area between 250m² and 500m² were required to obtain a DEC, which is valid for 10 years.
With the initial certificates nearing their expiration, these buildings must renew their DECs to remain compliant with energy performance regulations.
This upcoming deadline directly impacts the following parties:
- Occupiers of public buildings
- Public building managers
- Asset management companies
It is essential for all buildings occupied by a public authority and regularly visited by the public to have an up-to-date Display Energy Certificate (DEC) and Advisory Report. These can be obtained by contacting a qualified DEC Assessor.
Find a DEC Assessor Near You
Need a DEC and Advisory Report? Search the UK’s largest database of energy assessors and find a qualified DEC assessor in your area.
FIND A DEC ASSESSOR >
How does this affect DEC Assessors?
It is important for DEC Assessors, and anyone looking to train in this area, to be aware of the upcoming renewal deadline, as the number of public buildings requiring the services of a DEC assessor is likely to increase.
With this in mind, all DEC Assessors should ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest developments and are visible to potential clients in their area.
To stay ahead of the competition, take a look at Elmhurst’s range of CPD training courses designed to enhance and refresh your knowledge and expertise in this area:
- DEC Calculating Floor Area (On Demand): This course is designed to provide expert guidance on calculating floor area, equipping assessors with the knowledge to avoid common pitfalls and ensure accurate and reliable DECs (1 hour CPD).
- DEC Masterclass (Remote): This course covers the crucial areas associated with completing energy calculations for public buildings, ideal for assessors who regularly complete DEC assessments or want to strengthen their knowledge in key areas (5 hours CPD).
Become A Qualified DEC Assessor
Interested in training as a DEC assessor? Elmhurst’s ABBE training course is ideal for those new to, or familiar with, the Non-Domestic sector to become fully qualified Display Energy Certificate (DEC) Assessors.
MORE INFORMATION >
Further Resources:
For more information, view the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Guidance: A guide to display energy certificates and advisory reports for public buildings – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/display-energy-certificates-and-advisory-reports-for-public-buildings/a-guide-to-display-energy-certificates-and-advisory-reports-for-public-buildings
To find an existing Display Energy Certificate (DEC) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, search the building’s postcode on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate