From July 2015, a DEC and Advisory Report are required for buildings that are occupied in whole or part by public authorities, is frequently visited by the public and has a total useful floor area of over 250m². ². DECs and Advisory Reports for buildings between 250 m² and 1000m² are valid for 10 years, whilst the DECs for buildings over 1000m² remain valid for 1 year and advisory reports 7 years. If you are a new occupier or have been in occupation for less than 15 months, you may not have the previous 12 months of meter readings available that are required for an operational rating. The legislation makes provisions for calculation over the period of occupation in these cases.

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What are they? 

Display Energy Certificates provide an energy rating of a building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is the least efficient. These ratings are based on the actual amount of metered energy used by a building over a period of 12 months, and the actual certificate should be displayed in A3 size in a place that is clearly visible to the public.

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Occupiers of buildings that require DECs must have a valid Advisory Report in their possession or control. An Advisory Report highlights recommendations to improve the energy performance of the building.

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Potential penalties

A local authority can issue a penalty charge notice of £500 for failing to display a DEC at all times in a prominent place clearly visible to the public, and £1,000 for failing to possess or have in their control a valid Advisory Report. In addition to these penalties, it will still be necessary to commission the documents otherwise further offences will be committed.