FAQs

Why do we need this new certification?

In simple terms these certificates allow greater transparency in terms of a building’s energy usage/emissions ratings. The certification is the reaction to the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (January 2003) requiring a reduction in the CO2 emissions of buildings.

What’s the difference between a DEC and an EPC?

England and Wales

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will provide an energy rating for a building, as well as advice on how to make cost affective improvements to the energy efficiency of the building. The Energy ratings are on a colour coded scale and range from A through to G, with A the best and G the worst. EPCs will also be accompanied by a recommendation to improve the building energy, although compliance with these recommendations is not obligatory.

A display Energy Certificate (DEC) is only applicable to public buildings and institutions over 1000m2, including council offices, schools, colleges, universities and hospitals and all other buildings accessed by the public. The DEC is based on actual energy usage and gives the building an operational rating based on consumption levels. The DEC will include an accompanying advisory report on cost effective improvements. These are required for public buildings over 1000m2 that are either occupied or part occupied by public authorities or institutions providing public services. The DEC must be publicly displayed.

Scotland

In Scotland, the system will only involve an EPC however, this will be accompanied by an Advisory Report on cost effective energy saving recommendations.

Who is responsible for ensuring the building has the appropriate certification?

The owner, landlord or property managers are responsible for ensuring that EPCs are made available - in short, the supplier of the property. If the property is a new build then the developer, landlord or immediate landlord has responsibility and if the building is sublet, assignees are responsible for obtaining and paying for the EPC.

With regards to DECs, the responsibility for obtaining and displaying the certification resides with the building occupier.

When do EPCs and DECs become law?

EPCs: (England & Wales)

6th April 2008: all buildings over 10,000m2 that are new to the market

1st July 2008: all buildings over 2,500m2 that are new to the market

1st October 2008: the remainder (with a lower limit of 50m2.) including those properties that are already being marketed.

DECs: (England & Wales)

1st October 2008: for public buildings over 1,000m2

EPC: (Scotland)

1st December 2008: commercial properties put up for sale

4th January 2009: commercial rental properties

4th January 2009: all public buildings over 1,000m2

For how long is the certificate valid?

The EPC, once obtained, is valid for a period of ten years while the DEC will be valid for one year, with the advisory report being valid for seven years.

Which buildings do not require certification?

The following types of property are all exempt from the process:

1. Lease renewal, lease restructuring (unless the floor is modified or the space refurbished) or surrendering.

2. CPOs - Compulsory Purchase Orders

3. Buildings that are less than 50m2 in size - those that are temporary structures or where evidence can be provided that the building is set for demolition.

4. The exemption also extends to places of worship and certain buildings with low energy demand, or where energy is not used in conditioning the internal climate in terms of heating, ventilation or cooling.

What happens if we don’t have a certificate?

Through Trading Standards Officers, local authorities are responsible for enforcement of EPCs and have the ability to levy a fine of up to £5,000 for non-compliance, although currently there are no set penalties for continued non-compliance

In England and Wales the enforcement process for DECs is similar. The penalty is £500 for failing to display a DEC at all times and/or £1,000 fine for failing to have possession of a valid advisory report.