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Home > Overview - Commercial Building Regulations
DEC a requirement for Public Sector Buildings from 1st Oct 2008 PDF Print
Written by David Pattinson   
Energy consumption and sustainability of buildings is fast becoming the main priority for every organisation.   The Buildings Energy Performance Directive (EPBD) was approved on 16 December 2002 and brought into force on 4 January 2003.

The principal objective of the Directive is to promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings within the EU through cost-effective measures. According to the Government almost half of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions are from the use of heat. Buildings other than dwellings are responsible for just less than 20% of this total.

The directive is split into four main parts :- 

  • The methodology for calculation of the buildings energy performance
  • The minimum energy performance standards for new building and large extensions
  • Energy Performance Certificates (including Display Energy Certificates)
  • Inspection of fixed building services i.e. boilers and air conditioning plant and equipment. 

By 1st October 2008 most of the requirements for building appertaining to Energy Performance Certificates and DEC’s will be in force.  

What type of buildings will require a DEC? 

Public Authorities, and institutions providing public services to a large number of persons, who occupy space in a building with a total floor area greater than 1000m2, must display a valid Display Energy Certificate (DEC) at all times and have a valid Energy Efficiency advisory report (EE). 

What sector types are covered?

  • Education
  • Local Government
  • HospitalsHealth Centres & Surgeries
  • Local Authority Sports Centres
  • Government Estates 

What is a Display Energy Certificate (DEC)? 

A DEC shows an Operational Rating (OR) of the building which conveys the actual energy used. The energy usage of the building is to be measured over a period of time and the OR for this building calculated. The OR is then compared with the averaged building stock value to show a comparison of the building performance. 

What is a Energy Efficiency advisory report (EE)? 

The report covers improvements to the fabric and services of the building and a relative cost benefit of these measures. 

Who can produce DEC’s & EE’s? 

Both the certificate and advisory report are lodged in a central database for future use. The certificates and reports can only be produced by approved individuals and lodged by accredited organisations.    

Pattinson Consultants are fully approved and accredited to provide and maintain DEC and EE advisory reports.  

Once the advisory reports have been generated we are able to offer the full design and specification of the improvements suggested and do a more detailed analysis of the savings which can be made. As a Building Services consultancy we are ideally placed to provide all of your energy and sustainability requirements from DEC’s to full Mechanical and Electrical design of a range of sustainable solutions including :- 

  • Photovoltaics
  • Solar Water Heating
  • Ground/Air Source Heat Pumps
  • CHP
  • Biomass boiler / generation
  • Energy efficient lighting schemes
  • Centralised boiler systems
  • Urban wind turbines
  • Building fabric upgrades