Check a public building's Display Energy Certificate
Find out about a public building鈥檚 energy use and carbon emissions by checking the Display Energy Certificate (DEC).
What a DEC will tell you
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) are designed to show the energy performance of public buildings.
They use a scale that runs from 鈥楢鈥� to 鈥楪鈥� - 鈥楢鈥� being the most efficient and 鈥楪鈥� being the least.
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Buildings that need a certificate
Public authorities must have a DEC for a building if all the following are true:
- it鈥檚 at least partially occupied by a public authority (eg council, leisure centre, college, NHS trust)
- it has a total floor area of over 250 square metres
- it鈥檚 frequently visited by the public
How long DECs last
DECs last for 1 year for buildings with a total useful floor area more than 1,000 square metres.
They last for 10 years when the total useful floor area is over 250 square metres and up to 1,000 square metres.
Private organisations
Private organisations don鈥檛 need a DEC but can choose to get one if they want to. They may still need an Energy Performance Certificate if the building is sold or rented.
Where to find the certificate
Public authorities must display their DEC in a prominent place clearly visible to the public, eg near the building鈥檚 entrance. They can be fined 拢500 if they don鈥檛.
Contact the occupier of the building if you can鈥檛 find the DEC.
Scotland
Public buildings in Scotland must have an Energy Performance Certificate instead of a DEC.