DEC Certificate London & Manchester

What is a DEC?

A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) is a certificate that provides information on the energy performance of a public building in the UK, and are part of the government’s efforts to improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings by raising awareness about their energy consumption.

DECs are mandatory for public buildings that have a total useful floor area of over 250 square meters and are frequently visited by the public. This includes buildings such as schools, hospitals, government offices, museums, leisure centres, and other public institutions. These types of certificates include an energy rating that is based on the actual energy consumption of the building over the previous 12 months and is displayed on a scale from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and G being the least efficient.

From our London and Manchester offices, we provide DEC certificate benchmarking and consultancy services to optimise the asset and operational performance in commercial properties across the UK.

What is included in a DEC?

Typically valid for one year, a DEC must be updated annually with the building’s energy consumption data. Alongside this, the building owner or manager receives an Advisory Report outlining the potential measures that can be implemented to reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs – all to improve the building’s energy efficiency.

A DEC must be openly displayed in a visible location within the building, and as they are a legal requirement in the UK, building owners or managers who fail to display a valid certificate may be subject to fines. Speak to our team for guidance on non-compliance fines.

Here at CSR Sustain, we have helped our clients over the year with their Display Energy Certificates, providing valuable insight and guidance on how to improve their asset and operational performance through our meticulous 3 phase management cycle.

Why should you consider a DEC?

Energy Awareness

DECs raise awareness about energy consumption and efficiency in public buildings. By displaying the energy rating, building occupants and visitors become more conscious of the building's energy performance, encouraging energy-saving behaviours.

Performance Comparison

The energy rating on a DEC allows for easy comparison between different public buildings. This transparency identifies high-performing buildings as well as those that need improvements, driving the built environment to achieve better energy efficiency.

Energy Cost Reduction

The Advisory Report that accompanies the DEC provides valuable recommendations for improving energy efficiency. Implementing these measures can lead to reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills, resulting in cost savings for building owners.

Environmental Impact

Improving energy efficiency in commercial buildings through DEC recommendations reduces the overall environmental impact by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption, contributing to broader sustainability goals.

Legal Compliance

Display Energy Certificates are a legal requirement for public buildings in the UK. Complying with this regulation ensures that building owners meet their legal obligations and avoid potential fines for non-compliance.

Public Perception

High energy ratings displayed on DECs can enhance the reputation of public buildings and organisations, signalling their commitment to sustainability and responsible energy management.

Investment and Financing

In some cases, a favourable energy rating may positively influence property valuation and attractiveness to investors or potential tenants who prioritise energy-efficient and environmentally responsible spaces.

Government Initiatives

Display Energy Certificates align with the government's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency, contributing to the broader efforts of achieving environmental targets and fulfilling sustainability commitments.

Energy Awareness

Performance Comparison

Energy Cost Reduction

Environmental Impact

Legal Compliance

Public Perception

Investment and Financing

Government Initiatives

How do we achieve this?

Accredited Assessors

Our expert team have the necessary training and certification to carry out the assessment help to issue Display Energy Certificates and provide key insights on your building’s performance.

Data Collection

We will visit the building and collect data on energy consumption, such as electricity, gas, and other sources, for a period of 12 months. We will also gather information on the building’s size, occupancy, and other relevant details.

Energy Calculation

Then, we calculate the building’s energy performance in accordance with the prescribed methodology and regulations. From these calculations, we issue your DEC based on the A to G building energy rating scale.

Advisory Report

Alongside this, we provide a recommendations report to improve energy efficiency. The report suggests measures and actions that building owners can take to enhance the building’s energy performance.

DEC Renewal

Display Energy Certificates are typically valid for one year. After the validity period expires, building owners must renew the assessment to obtain an updated certificate.