What is a DEC?

A DEC is a Display Energy Certificate (also known as an Operational Certificate as the energy assessment includes the amount of fuel used over periods of up to 3 years as part of the calculation) and shows the Energy Efficiency of public buildings. All public owned and public accessed buildings over 1,000 sq meters need a DEC and these need updating annually. The DEC has to be displayed in a prominent place clearly visible to the public.

DECs are undertaken by an accredited Energy Assessor using SAP/SBEM Energy Assessment procedures and surveys (including Air Conditioning Inspection of Systems and Heating Boilers and control methods). The Advisory Report will contain recommendations for improving the energy performance of the building and is valid for 7 years. There are penalties and fines imposed for failure to produce a valid advisory report.