Display Energy Certificates (DECs)
At Bournemouth Energy, we specialize in providing fast, reliable Display Energy Certificates (DECs) to ensure your business property meets legal requirements.
What is a Display Energy Certificate (DEC)?
A Display Energy Certificate is a document that shows how energy-efficient a public building is, based on actual energy consumption over the past 12 months. It uses a rating scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is displayed prominently for public visibility.
It includes:
- Energy Efficiency Rating: Based on real-world energy use, tailored to the type of building.
- Advisory Report: Offers practical guidance on how to reduce energy consumption (mandatory for larger buildings).
DECs are legally required for public buildings over 250m² that are regularly visited by the public, such as schools, libraries, and healthcare centres.
What is a Display Energy Certificate (DEC)?
A Display Energy Certificate is a document that shows how energy-efficient a public building is, based on actual energy consumption over the past 12 months. It uses a rating scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is displayed prominently for public visibility.
It includes:
- Energy Efficiency Rating: Based on real-world energy use, tailored to the type of building.
- Advisory Report: Offers practical guidance on how to reduce energy consumption (mandatory for larger buildings).
DECs are legally required for public buildings over 250m² that are regularly visited by the public, such as schools, libraries, and healthcare centres.
Why Do You Need a DEC?
- Legal Requirement: Buildings over 250m² that are publicly accessible must display a valid DEC.
- Transparency: Shows the public how energy is being used, improving accountability and trust.
- Energy Savings: Advisory Reports can highlight meaningful ways to cut energy costs.
- Environmental Goals: Helps organisations track and reduce carbon emissions over time.
Benefits of a DEC
- Public Accountability: Demonstrates your commitment to energy efficiency and compliance.
- Operational Insights: Identifies where energy is being used inefficiently.
- Cost Reduction: Implementing recommendations can help reduce utility bills.
- Compliance Confidence: Stay fully aligned with UK energy performance regulations.
Benefits of a DEC
- Public Accountability: Demonstrates your commitment to energy efficiency and compliance.
- Operational Insights: Identifies where energy is being used inefficiently.
- Cost Reduction: Implementing recommendations can help reduce utility bills.
- Compliance Confidence: Stay fully aligned with UK energy performance regulations.
Our Process
Getting a DEC with Bournemouth Energy is straightforward and efficient:
- Book an Assessment: Contact us to schedule a site visit at your convenience.
- Energy Data Collection: We’ll guide you through providing 12 months of energy usage and basic building info.
- On-Site Survey: Our qualified assessor visits your premises to review layout, usage, and operational factors.
- Receive Your DEC & Report: You’ll receive your certificate (and Advisory Report if required) within around 48 hours.
Why Choose Bournemouth Energy
- Fast Turnaround: Receive your DEC within around 48 hours of the site visit.
- Experienced Assessors: Fully accredited professionals with expertise in all public building types.
- Fair Pricing: Transparent quotes with no hidden charges, including discounts for multiple sites.
- Reliable Service: We manage the full process from start to finish — no hassle, no delays.
Ready to book your DEC?
Contact Bournemouth Energy today to schedule your Display Energy Certificate assessment and ensure your property meets all legal obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a Display Energy Certificate (DEC)?
All public buildings over 250m² that are frequently visited by the public, such as schools, libraries, hospitals, and council buildings.
How long does it take to get a DEC?
Typically, your certificate will be ready within 48 hours of your assessment, provided we have all the required energy data.
What happens during a DEC assessment?
An assessor will review your building’s layout, usage patterns, and energy meters. We’ll also require your last 12 months of energy data.
Do I need to implement the Advisory Report recommendations?
While not mandatory, the recommendations help improve your building’s energy performance and reduce operational costs.
What are the penalties for not having a DEC?
Failure to display a valid DEC can lead to fines of up to £1,500 per offence.
Are there any exemptions?
Yes, some buildings that are not frequently accessed by the public, or fall below the 250m² threshold, may be exempt. We’re happy to advise if you’re unsure.
