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Display Energy Certificates - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Buildings require a Display Energy Certificate (DEC)?
Buildings that require a DEC must meet three criteria:
- The building or part of building occupied by the organisation must have a useful floor area over 1000m2.
- The building must be occupied by a public authority or an institution providing a public service to a large number of people. A public authority includes central or local government departments and other public bodies. An institution that provides a public service is one that is funded by 50% or more through public money.
- The building must be frequently visited by the public - there is no need for a Display Energy Certificate if it is never, or very rarely, visited by members of the public.
Q: What is the difference between a Display Energy Certificate and an Energy Performance Certificate?
Display Energy Certificates show operational use of buildings, indicating how well the occupants of the building are managing energy use. Energy Performance Certificates are intended to illustrate to buyers or tenants the intrinsic design value of the building, such as the efficiency of energy services and building fabric in comparison typical buildings of the same type.
Q: Who is responsible for ensuring a Display Energy Certificate is displayed?
It is the responsibility of the occupier of the building.
Q: What does a DEC contain?
A DEC consists of a certificate showing the operational energy use of a building which must be renewed annually and be made clearly visible to the public. This is accompanied by an Advisory Report with cost effective recommendations to reduce the building’s CO2 emissions, valid for seven years.
Download an example of what a Display Energy Certificate looks like.
Q: What is the purpose of a DEC?
The DEC is designed to:
- Make public authorities more accountable to the general public in terms of energy efficiency
- Inspire public authorities to take action in reducing energy consumption
- Highlight the business case for improving buildings energy efficiency
Q: What makes Self Energy’s DEC unique?
Unlike other Certification providers, not only can Self Energy provide you with your DEC, accompanying Advisory Reports and renewals, we can implement the advisory measures to improve your building’s DEC rating.
More importantly, we will guarantee the performance of those measures through an Energy Performance Guarantee.
Q: How will I be penalised if I do not have a DEC?
Failure to display a DEC is a £500 fine, plus a further £1000 for failing to obtain an Advisory Report. Additionally the DEC and Advisory Report must subsequently be carried out.
Q: What benefits can I achieve by obtaining a DEC and implementing Self Energy’s recommendations?
- Guaranteed energy savings
- CO2 reduction
- Excellent return on investment
- Raised awareness of energy use
Self Energy can deliver guaranteed energy savings through an Energy Performance Guarantee with potentially ZERO investment from the client
