As part of the government’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive effective 1st October 2008, Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and Advisory Reports (ARs) are required for all public buildings where the floor area exceeds 1000m2.. Public authorities and institutions that provide public services or occupy buildings that are frequently visited by the public must display a certificate that shows the building’s energy performance.
The DEC is the outward demonstration of a public building’s energy and asset rating. It needs to be displayed in a prominent position at all times, clearly visible to the public. The DEC is valid for 12 months and must be renewed each year, and will incorporate an advisory report valid for seven years on the measures available to improve the energy rating of a public building.
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) show the actual energy usage of a building, the Operational Rating, and help the public see the energy efficiency of a building. This is based on the energy consumption of the building as recorded by gas, electricity and other meters.
Types of buildings that are affected by the legislation include:
- Central government and local authority buildings
- libraries
- public sports facilities such as leisure centres
- education centres such as schools, universities and colleges
- NHS trusts and hospitals
- Police, court and prison buildings
- Armed forces buildings
- MOD property