DEC Certificates
Display Energy Certificates for public buildings over 250m². A legal requirement showing your building's actual energy use to visitors and the public.
What is a DEC Certificate?
A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) shows the actual energy usage of a public building based on meter readings. Unlike an EPC which shows potential energy efficiency, a DEC displays real-world energy consumption over the past 12 months.
DECs are legally required for public authority buildings over 250m² that are frequently visited by the public. They must be prominently displayed in a location visible to visitors.
- Required for public buildings over 250m²
- Based on actual energy consumption data
- Must be displayed publicly in the building
- Valid for 1 year (buildings over 1,000m²)
- Valid for 10 years (buildings 250-1,000m²)
- Advisory Report required every 7 years
DEC Services
Complete Display Energy Certificate services for public buildings
DEC Certificate
Display Energy Certificate showing your building's operational rating based on actual energy consumption data.
Advisory Report
Detailed recommendations for improving your building's energy efficiency and reducing running costs.
DEC Renewal
Annual renewal service with automatic reminders and streamlined renewal process for existing clients.
Buildings That Need DECs
Public authority buildings over 250m² frequently visited by the public
Schools & Colleges
Educational establishments including primary schools, secondary schools, academies, and further education colleges.
Healthcare Buildings
Hospitals, health centres, GP surgeries, and other NHS or public healthcare facilities.
Council Buildings
Council offices, civic centres, town halls, and other local authority administrative buildings.
Libraries & Museums
Public libraries, museums, galleries, and cultural venues open to the public.
Leisure Centres
Sports centres, swimming pools, and public leisure facilities run by local authorities.
Courts & Legal
Magistrates courts, crown courts, and other publicly accessible legal buildings.
How It Works
Our simple process for obtaining your DEC
Provide Data
Send us your 12 months of energy bills (gas, electricity) and floor area information.
Site Survey
Our assessor visits to verify building details, floor areas, and collect any additional data needed.
Calculate Rating
We analyse your energy data against benchmarks to calculate your operational rating.
Certificate Issued
Your DEC and Advisory Report are lodged on the register and delivered for display.
DEC vs EPC: What's the Difference?
While both certificates rate building energy performance, they measure different things:
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rates a building's theoretical energy efficiency based on its construction, insulation, heating systems etc. It shows how efficient the building could be.
DEC (Display Energy Certificate) rates a building's actual operational energy use based on real meter readings. It shows how efficiently the building is actually being used.
A building might have a good EPC but a poor DEC if it's being used inefficiently, or vice versa if occupants are very energy-conscious.
Compliance Requirements
Buildings over 1,000m²: DEC required annually. Advisory Report every 7 years.
Buildings 250-1,000m²: DEC valid for 10 years. Advisory Report every 7 years.
Penalties: Failure to display a valid DEC can result in fines of up to £1,000 depending on building size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Display Energy Certificates
A DEC is required if your building is occupied by a public authority (including schools, NHS, councils), has a total useful floor area over 250m², and is frequently visited by the public. Private businesses and homes don't need DECs.
We need 12 consecutive months of energy data (electricity and gas bills or meter readings), the building's total floor area, building type/use, and access for a site survey. We'll guide you through exactly what's needed.
Once we have all necessary energy data and have completed the site survey, your DEC and Advisory Report are typically produced within 5-7 working days. Urgent turnarounds can be arranged if needed.
The Advisory Report accompanies your DEC and provides specific recommendations for improving your building's energy efficiency. It identifies potential improvements, estimated costs, and payback periods. Advisory Reports are valid for 7 years.
The DEC must be displayed in a prominent place clearly visible to the public. Typically this means at the main entrance, reception area, or other location where visitors will easily see it. The certificate should be displayed in a way that allows people to read its contents.
Yes! Since DECs measure actual energy use, changes in how the building is operated can improve the rating. This includes better heating controls, LED lighting, staff awareness campaigns, and building fabric improvements. Our Advisory Report provides specific recommendations for your building.
Need a DEC for Your Building?
Get compliant with a Display Energy Certificate from our accredited assessors. Fast turnaround and competitive prices.