Display Energy Certificates DECs
As part of the Government’s implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), Display Energy Certificates (DEC’s) have been needed to be displayed within most public buildings from 1st October 2008. A Display Energy Certificates (DEC) is a requirement on each seperate building and it is required that they are renewed annually and made easily accessible to the public to view.
The validity of Display Energy Certificates (DEC) is for 1 year, however the Advisory Report which accompanies the DEC and lists cost effective measures to improve the energy rating of the building is valid for 7 years.
Display Energy Certificate (DECs) information
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) detail the actual energy usage of a building, it is a not an estimation of consumption as is made within the domestic EPC. The Display Energy Certificate (DECs) is based upon the energy consumption of the public building by utilising recorded information from various meters e.g. gas and electricity meters. An Operational Rating is calculated and this in turn helps the general public see the energy efficiency of the building.
The orgainisations included are public authorities, and institutions providing public services that occupy or control buildings which are frequently visited by the public. The following are some examples of building which may require a Display Energy Certificate:
- Leisure centres
- Museums
- Court buildings
- Hospitals
- Police buildings
- Courts and prisons
- Places of education
In addition to these examples buildings providing public services where the buildings floor area is greater than 1,000m2 will also require a Display Energy Certificate; if occupied by a public authority and/or institution and they provide a public service to a large number of people and the building is visited by these people.
Display Energy Certificate (DECs) provides information about the energy efficiency of the building to visitors. The intention being, that it will raise awareness of energy use in our public buildings. Currently plans and action are being implemented which will allow public authorities to demonstrate the benefit of the measures they put in place to reduce their carbon footprint.
Eland House the Communities and Local Government Headquarters was recently assessed and given a F rating. It has been reported that an energy efficiency action plan is now being developed in order to improve next year’s rating.
Key points Display Energy Certificates DECs:
- The requirements came into effect from 1 October 2008
- Display Energy Certificates (DECs) detail actual energy consumption
- Only required for buildings with a total useful floor area over 1,000m 2
- A DEC is always accompanied by an Advisory Report
- A DEC is valid for one year, advisory report seven years.
- Failure to comply with this legislation will result in financial penalties.