Display Energy Certficates (DECs)
A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) is currently required annually for all public buildings over 1000m2. The Government is currently proposing to reduce the size threshold to 250m2. A DEC records the energy efficiency of a public building based on metered energy consumption as used annually over periods of up to the last three years (the Operational Rating).
The purpose of introducing DECs is to raise public awareness of energy consumption by informing visitors to public buildings about energy use. DECs provide an energy rating of the building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is the least efficient. Once obtained, a DEC must be displayed on the building in a prominent place clearly visible to the public and should be no smaller than A3 in size.
Key Benefits
- Shows energy performance of a building based on metered energy consumption
- Renewed annually to keep track of a building’s energy costs
- Annual renewal indicates if the energy performance of a building is improving
- Provides a report of key recommendations that can reduce the energy use of the building and costs
- Improved public relations: environmental performance is increasingly important to reputation
A CSR Sustain DEC Assessment
For buildings with a total usable floor area of over 1,000m2 that are occupied in whole or part by public authorities or by institutions providing public services we undertake the following:
- Survey and assess the building using an approved method set out in the government regulations
- Input the data into a software program designed by the Buildings Research Establishment
- Produce a draft certificate and report that can then be discussed with the client if required
- Issue certificate and lodge at the Landmark Registry
- Supply certificate for display
- Discuss with the client recommendations
