Management Information Sheet

Important Changes to Display Energy Certificates for Public Buildings Legislation

MI Sheet TypeAction
To Be Completed By: 31/03/2013
MI Number:45/13
Publication Date:22/02/2013 12:00:00
LA Contact:Michael Dawson
Audience:Head Teachers / Building Managers

Important Changes to Display Energy Certificates for Public Buildings Legislation

From 9 January 2013, government has implemented a refresh of the Energy Performance of Buildings legislation. This has meant that the Display Energy Certificate guidelines now apply to buildings over 500m2. It is therefore a legal obligation for the occupier of these buildings to possess a valid Display Energy Certificate (DEC) and Advisory Report (AR).

These new DECs for buildings between 500 and 999m2 will be valid for 10 years and are required for all buildings on a site meeting the criteria, e.g. a school with three buildings between 500m2 and 999m2 will require three DECs and ARs. Please note that there has been no change in legislation for sites currently receiving DECs for buildings over 1000m2 and annual renewals will continue.

It should be noted that failure to comply with the legislation could result in a penalty charge notice of £500 for incorrectly displaying a DEC at all times, and £1,000 for failing to possess a valid advisory report for each building. In addition, it will still be necessary to commission the documents.

The aim of DECs is to increase public awareness of energy use and to inform visitors about the energy use of public buildings. They are based on the annual energy consumption of a building and provide a rating from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is the least efficient. The AR contains recommendations for improved energy performance of the building.

NPS will contact the schools affected by these statutory changes imminently.

For further information please the following website.