R2G

Efficiency Simplified

Display Energy Certificates (DECs)

At R2G, our qualified energy assessors provide accurate, compliant DEC assessments for schools, hospitals, local authorities and other qualifying public buildings.

We manage the entire process, delivering a professional, efficient service with minimal disruption to your operations.

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What is a Display Energy Certificate (DEC)?

A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) is an official certificate that measures the actual energy performance of a public building based on its energy consumption over the previous 12 months. It provides an Operational Rating that reflects how efficiently a building is performing in everyday use, helping public sector organisations monitor energy efficiency and identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption.

Display Energy Certificates are designed to promote greater transparency in energy performance, encouraging organisations to improve operational efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and lower running costs while meeting their legal obligations.

Why is a Display Energy Certificate Important?

A Display Energy Certificate plays an important role in helping public sector organisations understand how efficiently their buildings operate.

By measuring actual energy consumption rather than predicted performance, a DEC provides a realistic picture of how a building performs under normal day-to-day use.

A valid Display Energy Certificate can help organisations to:
  • Meet legal requirements for qualifying public buildings.
  • Monitor actual energy performance.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption.
  • Support sustainability and carbon reduction objectives.
  • Demonstrate transparency to building occupants and visitors.
DEC Certificate information

What Information Does a Display Energy Certificate Include?

Every Display Energy Certificate contains valuable information about a building's operational energy performance, including:
  • An Operational Rating based on actual energy usage.
  • A colour-coded energy performance scale.
  • Building details and total useful floor area.
  • Certificate issue and expiry dates.
  • Details of the building occupier and assessor.
  • Registration on the official Government Display Energy Certificate Register.

Understanding Your Operational Rating

Unlike an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which estimates a building's energy efficiency based on its construction and fixed services, a Display Energy Certificate measures how the building actually performs during everyday operation.
The Operational Rating compares your building's annual energy consumption against a benchmark for similar building types. A lower Operational Rating indicates better energy performance, while a higher rating suggests there may be opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.
DEC Rating

Need a Display Energy Certificate?

Whether you manage a school, hospital, council office or another qualifying public building, our qualified energy assessors can help you obtain a compliant Display Energy Certificate quickly and professionally.

Request a Free Quote

What is an Advisory Report?

Every Display Energy Certificate is accompanied by an Advisory Report, which provides practical recommendations to help improve a building's energy performance. The report identifies potential energy-saving measures, highlights areas for improvement and supports organisations in reducing energy consumption, lowering operating costs and improving future Operational Ratings.

Is a Display Energy Certificate a Legal Requirement?

Display Energy Certificates are a legal requirement for many public buildings occupied by public authorities and frequently visited by the public. Where a building meets the relevant size and occupancy criteria, a valid DEC must be displayed in a prominent location where it can be easily seen by visitors.

Failure to comply with Display Energy Certificate regulations may result in enforcement action and financial penalties.

Which Buildings Require a Display Energy Certificate?

A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) is a legal requirement for many public buildings in England and Wales. If your building is occupied by a public authority and regularly visited by members of the public, you may be required to display a valid Display Energy Certificate.

Our qualified energy assessors can help determine whether your building requires a DEC and ensure you remain fully compliant with current regulations.

Does your building meet these criteria?

  • Occupied by a public authority
  • Frequently visited by members of the public
  • Meets the current legal size requirement

If you answered "Yes" to these, your building may require a Display Energy Certificate.

Check Your Compliance

Schools & Academies

Healthcare Facilities

Council & Government Buildings

Universities & Colleges

Leisure Centres

Emergency Service Buildings

Museums & Galleries

Libraries

Our Simple 4-Step DEC Process

Getting a Display Energy Certificate doesn't need to be complicated. Our experienced energy assessors manage the entire process from booking your assessment through to issuing your DEC and Advisory Report, making compliance straightforward and hassle-free.

Book Assessment

Contact our team to arrange a convenient date and time for your Display Energy Certificate assessment.

Site Visit & Data Collection

Our qualified assessor visits your building to gather the information required to complete your Display Energy Certificate accurately.

Energy Analysis & DEC Preparation

We analyse your building's energy data, calculate its Operational Rating and prepare your Display Energy Certificate and Advisory Report.

DEC Issued & Advisory Report

You'll receive your Display Energy Certificate together with your Advisory Report, helping you meet your legal obligations and identify opportunities to improve energy performance.

Display Energy Certificate Validity & Renewal Requirements

Display Energy Certificates and their accompanying Advisory Reports have different validity periods depending on the size of your building. Understanding these renewal requirements helps ensure your organisation remains compliant and avoids unnecessary delays or penalties.

Medium Public Building

  • 250m² – 999m²
  • DEC valid for 10 years
  • Advisory Report valid for 10 years

Large Public Building

  • 1,000m²+
  • DEC valid for 1 year
  • Advisory Report valid for 7 years

Renewal Timeline

Assessment

DEC Issued

Display Certificate

Renew Assessment

New DEC Issued

Advisory Report

Your Display Energy Certificate is issued alongside an Advisory Report, which provides practical recommendations for improving your building's energy efficiency. Both documents have their own validity periods, so it's important to check when each requires renewal to remain compliant.

⏰ Don't let your Display Energy Certificate expire.

We'll help you renew your DEC on time and keep your building compliant.

Book Your Renewal Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) measures the actual energy performance of a public building based on its energy consumption. It provides an Operational Rating and helps demonstrate compliance with energy efficiency regulations for qualifying public buildings.

A DEC is generally required for public buildings that are occupied by a public authority, are frequently visited by members of the public, and meet the applicable minimum floor area requirements. This commonly includes schools, hospitals, council offices, libraries and leisure centres.

The validity period of a DEC depends on the size of the building. Larger public buildings typically require more frequent renewal than smaller qualifying buildings. If you're unsure of your renewal date, our team can help you determine when your next assessment is due.

Yes. Every Display Energy Certificate is issued alongside an Advisory Report, which provides practical recommendations for improving your building's energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption over time.

Simply contact R2G by phone or through our online enquiry form. We'll confirm whether your building requires a DEC, arrange a convenient assessment date, and manage the entire process through to issuing your Display Energy Certificate and Advisory Report.

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