What Is DEC?
A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) takes the operational energy rating of a building and then compares it to a benchmark building of the same type. The operational energy rating is measured by the actual annual carbon emissions from the building and is represented on a scale from A to G (banding) with A being the lowest CO2 emissions or best rating and G the highest CO2 or worst rating.
A DEC must be displayed in a prominent place and must also be accompanied by an Advisory Report - the building owner must have a valid report available upon request.
Who Needs A DEC & How Long Is It Valid For?
All public buildings over 250m2 occupied by local authorities or Institutions providing public services which are frequently visited by the public
In Buildings over 250m2 but less than 1000m2 the DEC and Advisory Report are valid for 10 years.
Buildings over 1000m2 must renew the DEC every year but the Advisory Report is valid for 7 years.
How will the DEC be assessed?
A DEC can only be carried out by an accredited and qualified assessor such as CSR Sustain.
In terms of the process:
The assessor carries a visual inspection of the building in order to establish the floor area and how it is being used.
All data relating consumption for gas, electricity and other heating fuels is collated for the relevant year.
Ascertain the relevant activities within the building and the number of hours the building is open to the public.
Provide the occupants with a set of questions designed to understand more about how the building is used and the services it provides (Advisory Report information).
Once the full analysis is complete and all the data is uploaded to approved software the qualified assessor produces the DEC and Advisory Report and lodge them on the Landmark Centre Register.
