Display Energy Certificates (DECs)
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and their accompanying Advisory Reports are not only a legal requirement for public sector organisations, but also a valuable tool for monitoring performance and driving energy efficiency improvements.
Display Energy Certificates (DECs)
At ENCOM Energy Compliance Consultancy Limited, our accredited DEC assessors provide accurate certification and practical advice, helping public bodies comply with regulations while identifying opportunities to reduce energy use, cut costs, and meet sustainability targets.
A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) shows the actual energy performance of a building based on annual metered consumption of gas, electricity, oil, or other fuels. Unlike an EPC, which is based on theoretical modelling, a DEC reflects how efficiently a building is being operated in practice. DECs use a clear A–G rating scale, where ‘A’ represents the lowest CO₂ emissions and ‘G’ the highest. For qualifying buildings, the certificate must be displayed in a prominent location clearly visible to the public.
Legal Requirements
DECs are a statutory requirement for publicly accessible buildings occupied by a public authority with a total floor area over 250 m².
Certificates must be renewed annually for buildings over 1,000 m², or every 10 years for buildings between 250 m² and 1,000 m².
An accompanying Advisory Report, valid for seven years, must be produced alongside the first DEC to highlight recommendations for improving energy performance.
The building occupier (e.g. local authority, school, NHS Trust, or government body) is responsible for ensuring DECs are produced and displayed.
Non-compliance may result in enforcement action and financial penalties.
What Our DEC Service Offers
Our DEC service includes the collection and analysis of utility consumption data, normalised for occupancy and weather conditions, together with site checks of key energy systems. We produce the official certificate, lodged on the Government’s register, along with the required Advisory Report where applicable. The report provides clear and practical recommendations to improve building efficiency, from low-cost behavioural changes to longer-term investment opportunities.
Why Choose ENCOM?
We are trusted experts in energy compliance, with extensive experience delivering DECs across schools, colleges, local authority estates, NHS sites, and other public sector portfolios. Our sector knowledge ensures a smooth process, accurate reporting, and reliable advice tailored to each building type. By partnering with ENCOM, you not only achieve compliance but also gain actionable insights that help reduce operating costs, extend the life of building systems, and strengthen sustainability performance.
Contact Us
ENCOM Energy Compliance
Consultancy Limited
1 Priestley Drive, Tattenhoe Park
Milton Keynes, MK4 4NW