Display Energy Certificates
A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) is a mandatory requirement for public sector buildings over a certain size, demonstrating the building’s actual operational energy consumption to the public. The DEC, which must be displayed prominently, shows the building’s energy efficiency rating from A to G, based on a comparison of metered consumption against benchmark data. At Focus 360 Energy, our accredited DEC Assessors provide the full service, from data collection and on-site visits to certification and the production of the accompanying advisory report, ensuring your organisation achieves full regulatory compliance and identifies clear energy-saving actions.
What is a Display Energy Certificate (DEC)?
A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) is an official document that records the energy performance of a building based on the energy it actually consumes over a 12-month period, rather than its theoretical efficiency. DECs are mandatory for any building occupied primarily by a public authority, or providing a public service, that has a total useful floor area over $250 \text{m²}$. The certificate provides an easily understandable A-G rating, similar to those found on domestic appliances. The certificate itself is valid for 12 months, and it must be renewed annually, while the accompanying Advisory Report is valid for 7 years.
What Does the DEC Service Include?
Data Collection and Verification: Gathering and verifying 12 months of meter readings for all fuels (gas, electricity, oil, etc.) and confirming the building’s operational hours and use.
On-Site Assessment: An accredited assessor conducts a mandatory site visit to confirm building dimensions, heating systems, and operational controls.
DEC Calculation and Certification: Calculating the A-G rating using the national standard methodology and issuing the official, lodged Display Energy Certificate
Advisory Report (DEC AR) Production: Producing the accompanying report that outlines cost-effective recommendations for improving the energy performance of the building.
Timely Re-lodgement: Managing the annual renewal process to ensure continuous compliance and avoid mandatory penalties from enforcement authorities.
Why DEC Compliance Matters
The Display Energy Certificate is a legal requirement under the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012. Failure to display a valid, up-to-date DEC and its Advisory Report in a conspicuous place risks substantial penalties enforced by local authorities (Trading Standards). Beyond compliance, the DEC provides a valuable benchmark of energy performance, driving down operational costs and supporting public sector decarbonisation and Net Zero targets by providing a clear, measurable metric for progress.
How Our Accredited Assessors Support You
Our consultants are fully trained and accredited DEC Assessors, qualified to produce certificates for all building types and sizes, as required by the regulations. We take the complexity out of the compliance process, ensuring accurate data collection—a common pitfall for self-managed compliance. We ensure both the certificate and the Advisory Report are lodged correctly on the national register. Crucially, our Advisory Report recommendations are practical and cost-effective, translating your DEC rating into a clear Action Plan for energy efficiency improvements.
Related Sustainability Services
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) is frequently combined with the following additional services:
TM44 Air Conditioning Inspections
Find out moreMEES Compliance
Find out moreEnergy Strategy Consultancy
Find out moreCommercial Decarbonisation Modelling
Find out moreFire Risk Assessments
Find out moreThermographic Surveys
Find out moreOur Process
Book your Display Energy Certificates service today.
Ensure your public building meets its mandatory compliance obligations and starts its journey towards energy efficiency. Contact Focus 360 Energy today to commission your Display Energy Certificate (DEC) and Advisory Report.
Click the Get a Quote link to access our online portal, or use the form to share brief details about your project and we will respond promptly.
Why choose Focus 360 Energy
Accredited DEC Assessors: Guarantees that your certificate is legally valid and accepted by all regulatory bodies
Mandatory Compliance Focus: We ensure all legal display, lodgement, and renewal requirements are met, mitigating penalty risk.
Actionable Advisory Reports: Practical, cost-effective recommendations to improve your DEC rating and reduce operational expenditure.
Seamless Annual Renewal: Proactive management of the renewal process to ensure continuous, stress-free compliance.
Integrated Energy Expertise: The DEC audit provides a baseline that can easily feed into wider Decarbonisation and Net Zero strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Display Energy Certificates are mandatory certificates for public buildings showing the actual energy consumption over the last 12 months, rated on an A-G scale.
Buildings occupied by a public authority, or providing a public service, with a total useful floor area over $250 \text{m²}$.
The DEC certificate must be renewed annually. The accompanying Advisory Report is valid for 7 years.
The AR outlines practical, cost-effective recommendations that the building owner can take to improve the energy rating shown on the DEC.
Local authorities can issue a penalty charge notice of $\text{£500}$ for failing to display a valid DEC and $\text{£500}$ for failing to have a valid Advisory Report.
No, the DEC specifically measures energy consumed within the boundary of the building itself (heating, cooling, lighting, IT, etc.).
The current minimum threshold is $\text{250m²}$ for public buildings. It was previously $\text{500m²}$ and $\text{1000m²}$.
An EPC is mandatory when a property is constructed, sold, or rented. A DEC is mandatory only for specific public-facing buildings in use. They serve different purposes.
Improving the efficiency of lighting systems, upgrading heating/cooling plant, installing better controls, and, critically, changing user behaviour can all significantly improve the rating.
Only an individual who is accredited as a DEC Assessor by an approved scheme can legally issue and lodge a valid Display Energy Certificate.
