Service
Display Energy Certificates (DECs)
Operational energy ratings for public sector estates.
Operational ratings for public sector estates
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) rate a building's actual operational energy use, based on metered consumption rather than theoretical modelling. They are required annually for many public sector buildings over 250m² occupied by a public authority and frequently visited by the public.
We manage DECs and Advisory Reports across single sites and large public sector portfolios — with renewal scheduling so you never miss a date.
Who needs this?
Local authorities, NHS trusts, schools and academies, universities, leisure trusts, civic and cultural buildings — and managing agents responsible for public sector estates.
Service
Display Energy Certificates
Operational energy ratings for public sector estates.
What we deliver
Annual DECs
Operational rating from metered electricity, gas and other fuels, lodged on the central register.
Advisory Reports
7-year Advisory Reports with FM-aware, prioritised recommendations.
Portfolio renewal
We diary every renewal date so the estate stays compliant year on year.
How DEC delivery runs
Designed around busy estates teams — minimal disruption, maximum certainty on dates.
- 01
Asset list & meter data
Confirm buildings in scope and gather 12 months of metered consumption.
- 02
Site visit
Quick on-site verification of occupancy, hours and any building changes.
- 03
Rating & lodgement
Operational rating produced and DEC lodged on the central register.
- 04
Advisory Report
Where required, a 7-year Advisory Report with prioritised actions.
- 05
Renewal calendar
Annual renewal dates tracked and pre-warned across the portfolio.
How we help
Public sector DEC programmes delivered with the certainty audit and FM teams need.
Common questions
How often is a DEC required?
Annually for buildings over 250m² occupied by a public authority and frequently visited by the public. Advisory Reports are valid for 7 years.
Which buildings need a DEC?
Public authority buildings over 250m² that are frequently visited by the public — including council offices, libraries, schools, NHS sites, leisure centres and civic buildings.
What if we miss the renewal date?
Penalties of £500 for failing to display the DEC and £1,000 for failing to have an Advisory Report. The certificate must still be produced and we track renewal dates across your portfolio so you don't miss them.
Can DEC be bundled with TM44?
Yes — single visits often cover both DEC verification and TM44 inspection, reducing cost and disruption to the site team.
What data do you need?
12 months of metered electricity, gas and other fuel consumption, plus occupancy hours, floor area and any building changes since the last DEC.
How is the DEC rating calculated?
Operational rating from A to G based on actual metered energy use per m², benchmarked against the building type. It reflects how the building is run, not just how it was designed.
How does a DEC differ from an EPC?
An EPC rates theoretical/modelled performance for sale or let. A DEC rates actual operational energy use for public sector buildings on an annual basis.
Can you display the DEC on our behalf?
We issue the printed DEC ready for display in a prominent place clearly visible to the public, as required by the Regulations.
Do you cover academies and free schools?
Yes — academies, free schools, MATs and independent schools that meet the public authority and floor area criteria are all in scope and routinely covered.
Can you run a portfolio DEC programme?
Yes — we manage rolling annual DEC programmes across council estates, NHS trusts and university portfolios, with consolidated reporting and renewal scheduling.
Related services
Frequently joined-up with display energy certificates on multi-site estates.
Further reading
Articles from our insights that go deeper into display energy certificates.
ESOS Phase 4: don't leave it until the deadline
Phase 4 introduces tighter evidence requirements and net-zero alignment expectations. Starting early is now a commercial decision, not just a compliance one.
Read article RegulationMEES 2027 & 2030: what commercial landlords need to do now
Proposed tightening to EPC C by 2027 and B by 2030 will reshape commercial portfolios. Here's how to plan for it without panic capex.
Read article SustainabilityHave building emissions really 'decoupled' from construction growth?
Global data suggests built-environment CO2 has plateaued even as floor space grows. The picture in the UK is more nuanced — and a useful guide for asset-level strategy.
Read articleMulti-site estates
Free portfolio review
Send us your asset list and we'll come back with a no-obligation portfolio review — compliance gaps, savings opportunities and a prioritised action plan within one working day.
Manage your DECs in one place
Share your asset list and we'll come back with a portfolio plan within one working day.