A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) is a legal requirement for certain public buildings in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It provides a clear indication of a building’s actual energy usage over a 12-month period, helping building owners, occupants, and the public understand how efficiently the building is operating.
Unlike Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which assess theoretical energy efficiency based on design and construction, DECs reflect real-world operational performance. This makes them a vital tool for organisations managing large estates of public-facing buildings, such as offices, schools, hospitals, leisure centres, and community hubs.
A DEC is required if all the following conditions apply:
The certificate must be prominently displayed where it can be easily seen by visitors. This ensures transparency and supports public trust in the organisation’s commitment to energy efficiency.
How are EPCs rated, what are the legal requirements, and how the Arthian team can help.
DECs use an operational rating system from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient), based on actual energy consumption data. The frequency of renewal depends on the building’s size:
This rating system enables building owners to track performance over time and identify opportunities for improvement.
For organisations managing multiple public buildings, DECs offer several strategic advantages:
1. Legal Compliance
Meeting DEC requirements ensures your buildings comply with UK regulations, helping you avoid penalties and reputational risk.
2. Operational Insight
Annual assessments provide valuable data on energy usage trends, enabling informed decisions about maintenance, upgrades, and behavioural changes.
3. Public Accountability
Displaying a DEC demonstrates transparency and a commitment to sustainability, which can enhance public trust and stakeholder confidence.
4. Strategic Planning
DECs support long-term energy management strategies, helping organisations set realistic goals and monitor progress.
At Arthian, we understand the complexities of managing energy compliance across multiple sites. Our Extended DEC service goes beyond the standard certificate to deliver:
This enhanced approach ensures that your organisation gains maximum value from the DEC process, turning compliance into a strategic advantage.
Whether you manage a handful of buildings or a nationwide portfolio, our expert consultants will coordinate assessments, streamline reporting, and provide actionable insights to support your energy goals.
Please note: Public buildings in Scotland are subject to different regulations and require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rather than a DEC.
DECs use an operational rating system from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient), based on actual energy consumption data. The frequency of renewal depends on the building’s size:
This rating system enables building owners to track performance over time and identify opportunities for improvement.
For organisations managing multiple public buildings, DECs offer several strategic advantages:
1. Legal Compliance
Meeting DEC requirements ensures your buildings comply with UK regulations, helping you avoid penalties and reputational risk.
2. Operational Insight
Annual assessments provide valuable data on energy usage trends, enabling informed decisions about maintenance, upgrades, and behavioural changes.
3. Public Accountability
Displaying a DEC demonstrates transparency and a commitment to sustainability, which can enhance public trust and stakeholder confidence.
4. Strategic Planning
DECs support long-term energy management strategies, helping organisations set realistic goals and monitor progress.
At Arthian, we understand the complexities of managing energy compliance across multiple sites. Our Extended DEC service goes beyond the standard certificate to deliver:
This enhanced approach ensures that your organisation gains maximum value from the DEC process, turning compliance into a strategic advantage.
Whether you manage a handful of buildings or a nationwide portfolio, our expert consultants will coordinate assessments, streamline reporting, and provide actionable insights to support your energy goals.
Please note: Public buildings in Scotland are subject to different regulations and require an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rather than a DEC.
Fully integrated with geotechnical, hydrological, and ecological disciplines.
National experience with regional insight and regulatory familiarity.
Deep understanding of planning, infrastructure, and environmental interfaces.
Commitment to technical rigour, clear communication, and long-term outcomes.
Only buildings that meet the criteria—public authority occupancy, over 250m², and regular public access—require a DEC. Our team can help you assess which buildings are in scope.
Failure to display a valid DEC can result in fines and enforcement action. It also undermines public confidence in your organisation’s energy practices.
Yes. We specialise in multi-site DEC management, offering coordinated assessments, centralised reporting, and strategic advice across your property portfolio.
The report includes a full energy audit, improvement recommendations, budget estimates, and projected savings—both financial and environmental.
Simply contact us to arrange an initial consultation. We’ll review your buildings, confirm requirements, and propose a tailored plan to ensure full compliance and maximum benefit.
We’d love to hear from you – whether you have a question, a project in mind, want to explore job opportunities, or just want to say hello.