Display Energy Certificates for Public Buildings

Display Energy Certificates (DEC)

A Display Energy Certificate shows how much energy a public building actually uses, rated A to G from its meter readings. Public authority buildings over 250 m² that the public visit have to display one. We produce the DEC and its advisory report, and can do both in the same visit as a TM44 inspection.

Who needs one

Buildings occupied by a public authority, with a floor area over 250 m², that are frequently visited by the public. That includes schools, council offices, libraries, leisure centres and health centres.

How often

• Over 1,000 m²: the DEC is renewed every year and the advisory report every 7 years
• 250 to 1,000 m²: the DEC and the advisory report are both renewed every 10 years

DEC or EPC?

An EPC rates how a building is built. A DEC rates how it is run, using 12 months of real energy use. A public building can need both: a DEC on display, and an EPC when it is sold, let or newly built.

What we need from you

• Twelve months of meter readings or bills for electricity, gas and any other fuel
• Floor plans or the floor area
• Opening hours
• The previous DEC, if there is one

Penalties

£500 for not displaying a valid DEC and £1,000 for not holding a valid advisory report.

Price

Priced per building. If we are already on site for a TM44 inspection, the DEC costs less.

Questions we get asked

We have visited your site before for another report. Can you do the DEC from that? Often, yes. We may only need the energy data.

Are the rules changing? The government is reviewing DEC rules as part of its EPC reforms. At October 2026 no change has been confirmed.

Related: TM44 Air Conditioning Inspections, Commercial EPC.

Email your energy data or WhatsApp us for a quote.