Certify.
Commercial office building
All services

Commercial compliance across the UK

Display Energy Certificates

Display Energy Certificates reflect a building’s actual energy use. Keep public buildings’ energy performance visible with a DEC and advisory report.

Public authorities, schools and public-sector estates

Let’s get your building covered

Get your tailored quote.

Tell us a little about your property.

By submitting, you’re asking Certify to contact you about your enquiry. Privacy policy.

No obligation. No payment required.

When do you need it?

  • Required for buildings over 250 m², occupied at least partly by a public authority and frequently visited by the public.
  • DECs are based on actual energy consumption, rather than the calculated performance used for an EPC.
  • Valid for 1 year for buildings over 1,000 m²; 10 years for buildings over 250 m² and up to 1,000 m². Advisory report renewal periods differ.
Read the official GOV.UK guidance

What’s included

  • Review of building and energy consumption data
  • Display Energy Certificate and advisory report
  • Guidance on display and renewal requirements

Quotes reflect your building’s size, complexity and assessment requirements. Share your details and deadline so we can confirm the scope.

Compliance guide

Display Energy Certificates: who needs one?

This guide covers England and Wales. Public buildings in Scotland must have an EPC instead of a DEC.

What is a DEC?

Display Energy Certificates show the energy performance of public buildings, on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). They are based on the building’s actual energy use.

Which buildings need one

Public authorities must have a DEC for a building if all of the following are true:

  • it is at least partially occupied by a public authority — for example a council, leisure centre, college or NHS trust
  • it has a total floor area of over 250 square metres
  • it is frequently visited by the public

How long a DEC lasts

  • 1 year for buildings with a total useful floor area of more than 1,000 square metres
  • 10 years for buildings over 250 and up to 1,000 square metres

Displaying your DEC

Public authorities must display their DEC in a prominent place clearly visible to the public, such as near the building’s entrance. They can be fined £500 if they do not.

Private organisations

Private organisations do not need a DEC but can choose to get one. They may still need an Energy Performance Certificate if the building is sold or rented.

Not sure what applies to your building?

Send us your details and we’ll confirm the scope with your quote.

Get my quote

Sources

This guide summarises official guidance and is not legal advice.

The details, made clear

Commercial compliance questions.

General guidance for England. Requirements and exemptions depend on your building and circumstances.