What is it ?

A Display Energy Certificate is an official document that shows the actual energy performance of a public building. Unlike an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which rates a building based on its design and fixed infrastructure, a DEC is based on operational energy use—calculated using actual, measured energy consumption data (such as gas, electricity, and oil bills) over a 12-month period.

Why does it matter ?

• Transparency & Accountability: A DEC provides clear, public-facing evidence of your organization's commitment to sustainability and energy stewardship.

• Cost Savings: By tracking actual energy use year-on-year, it highlights waste and inefficient operations, directly guiding you toward lower utility bills.

• Operational Insight: The accompanying advisory report acts as a roadmap for retrofits, behavioural changes, and smarter building management.

Who is it for ?

DECs are a legal requirement for public authorities and institutions frequently visited by the public that have a total useful floor area greater than 250 square metres. This includes:

• Central and local government buildings

• Schools, academies, and universities

• NHS hospitals and healthcare facilities

• Public libraries, museums, and leisure centres

Note: While DECs are mandatory only for qualifying public buildings, any organization looking to transparently measure and showcase its operational carbon footprint can benefit from the process.

What happens if you don’t have one ?

Failing to display a valid DEC where it is clearly visible to the public, or failing to have a valid advisory report in place, carries real consequences:

• Financial Penalties: Local weights and measures authorities (Trading Standards) can issue fixed penalty notices for non-compliance. For failing to display a DEC, penalties can reach up to £500, while failing to possess a valid advisory report can result in fines up to £1,000.

• Repeated Fines: Penalties can be issued repeatedly if the breach continues.

• Reputational Risk: For public sector bodies and conscientious organizations, non-compliance signals poor governance and a disregard for environmental targets.

• 250m2 to 1,000m2 – DEC and Recommendation Report valid for 10 years

• Over 1,000m2 – DEC valid for 1year and Recommendation Report valid for 7 years
  

A DEC will require 1 years worth energy data in order for a DEC to be completed.

An Assessor will need to attend the site if they have not been there before or if a Recommendation Report (RR)is due, however they may not need to attend site if there have been no changes.

£275 for first year which includes site survey, DEC and  recommendation report*

£175 per renewal

We can be flexible on price if multiple buildings on the same site
*Pricing subject to distance.