About Display Energy Certificates (DEC)
The DEC is issued following a professional assessment and shows the energy performance of the building using an A-G rating system. The certificate must be displayed in a public place.
Advisory report
The DEC is accompanied by an Advisory Report, which includes recommendations for improving the energy performance of the building. This may include zero and low-cost operational and management improvements, possible upgrades to the building fabric or services, and opportunities to install low and zero-carbon technologies. The Advisory Report is also a legal requirement.
The DEC and Advisory Report can be found on the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government website.
DECs and Advisory Reports need to be renewed regularly. You can find the issue date on your DEC or Advisory Report circled in the following example.
Report renewal frequency
How often you need to renew your DEC and Advisory Report depends on the building size:
| Building floor space | Renewal frequency |
| Over 1000m2 | DEC lasts 12 months and must be renewed every year. The Advisory Report must be renewed every seven years (unless produced after January 2013, when they are valid for 10 years). |
| Between 250m2 and 999m2 | DEC and Advisory Report last for 10 years |
DECs are also a great way to monitor improvements in a school's energy efficiency, with ratings coming down as energy-saving measures are introduced.
How to get or renew a DEC or Advisory Report
Several local providers are offering this service; some are listed on the Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificate Register.
it is essential to obtain quotes as the price will vary and depend on the size of the floor area being assessed.
Compliance
The building occupier must ensure they have a valid DEC and Advisory Report. Non-compliance could result in a £500 fine for DECs and a £1,000 fine for not having a valid Advisory Report.
Further information
The complete guide can be found by reading the Display Energy Certificates and Advisory Reports.