Display Energy Certificates in the UK: Requirements, Renewals, and Asset Only DECs

Introduction

Display Energy Certificates (DECs) are essential tools in the United Kingdom for promoting energy efficiency in public buildings. They provide a clear and visual representation of a building's energy performance, encouraging better energy management and reducing carbon footprints. This article delves into the requirements for obtaining DECs, the renewal process, and the specifics of 'asset only' DECs for new buildings.

When are Display Energy Certificates Required?

DECs are mandatory for certain buildings in the UK under the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007. The key requirements are:

1. Public Buildings: DECs are required for buildings occupied by a public authority or an institution providing a public service. These buildings must be frequently visited by the public.

2. Size Threshold: The requirement applies to buildings with a total useful floor area of over 250 square meters. Initially, DECs were mandatory only for buildings over 1,000 square meters, but the threshold was reduced in 2013 to include smaller buildings.

How and When DECs Must Be Renewed

DECs are valid for different periods based on the size of the building and its energy performance. The renewal process ensures that the energy performance of buildings is regularly assessed and kept up to date.

1. Large Buildings (Over 1,000 square meters):

• DEC Validity: For these buildings, the DEC is valid for one year.

• Advisory Report: Alongside the DEC, an Advisory Report (AR) is required, which provides recommendations for improving the building's energy performance. The AR is valid for seven years.

2. Smaller Buildings (Between 250 and 1,000 square meters):

• DEC Validity: In this category, the DEC is valid for ten years.

• Advisory Report: An AR is also required for these buildings, and must be renewed with the DEC after 10 years

'Asset Only' DECs for New Buildings

'Asset only' DECs are a specific category applicable to new buildings, designed to provide an initial assessment of the building's energy performance based solely on its designed characteristics.

1. Purpose and Scope: These DECs assess the energy performance of a new building based on its construction and energy-related features, without taking into account actual energy consumption data. This is particularly useful for new buildings that have not yet accumulated a year's worth of energy usage data.

2. Issuance and Validity: An 'asset only' DEC can be issued when a new building is completed and ready for occupation. This certificate is typically valid until sufficient operational data is available to produce a full DEC.

3. Transition to Full DEC: Once the building has been in use for a year, a standard DEC, based on actual energy consumption, must be obtained. This transition ensures that the building's operational energy performance is accurately tracked and managed.

Conclusion

Display Energy Certificates play a vital role in driving energy efficiency in public buildings across the UK. By requiring regular renewals and integrating 'asset only' DECs for new buildings, the system ensures that both new and existing structures are continually assessed and improved. This not only helps in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions but also promotes transparency and accountability in the management of public buildings' energy performance. Some form of DEC covering actual consumption is likely to be introduced for non-public buildings in the future, so watch this space.