Display Energy Certificate

Obtain a DEC that reflects your building’s real-world energy performance

Going one step beyond basic energy ratings

Understanding and improving energy efficiency in public buildings can be challenging without clear, actionable data.

Display Energy Certificates (DECs) provide that crucial insight by offering an accurate assessment of a building's actual energy consumption and operational efficiency over time. Far from being just a compliance requirement, DECs empower building owners and managers to identify inefficiencies, track performance, and implement targeted improvements.

Our DEC service goes beyond simply issuing certificates for customers in Colchester, Essex and beyond. We conduct thorough energy assessments to uncover areas where your building may be underperforming. Our consultants then provide practical, customised recommendations to optimise energy usage, reduce expenses, and achieve your sustainability goals.

Why do you need this service?

Regulatory
requirement

DECs are required for public buildings which exceed a floor area of 250m².

Energy cost
savings

Reduce operational costs and optimise energy usage at your property by finding and addressing inefficiencies.

Support for
net zero goals

Align your building with your sustainability objectives by making actionable improvements based on accurate data.

Our Process

Arrange an initial consultation

to discuss building usage and energy data requirements.

Collect the data we need

by gathering energy usage records, including heating, lighting, and equipment details.

Carry out an onsite assessment,

during which we will inspect building systems and evaluate energy performance.

Compare energy use against benchmarks

and identify improvement opportunities through comprehensive analysis and modelling. 

Share your report

and issue a new DEC with your updated rating and recommendations.

Deliver ongoing support

and assist with any queries or adjustments during the approval process.

Why choose Energy Digest?

In the UK, Display Energy Certificates (DECs) are legally required for certain buildings and must be prominently displayed within the premises. If you own or operate a property that is frequently visited by the public and has a total useful floor area of more than 250 m², you are obligated to obtain a DEC.
At Energy Digest, we offer more than just a standard A – G operational rating. Our accredited DEC assessors covering Colchester, Essex and the surrounding counties will conduct comprehensive evaluations of your building's actual energy consumption to develop an accurate picture of its performance. We benchmark your building against similar properties and industry standards to identify areas for improvement.

To ensure you fully benefit from our service, we provide highly targeted, actionable energy-saving recommendations that can be implemented immediately. Our goal is to help you not only comply with legal requirements but also to enhance your building's energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and achieve your sustainability objectives.

Fast turnaround time

To help you meet your own deadlines, we’ll ensure your Display Energy Certificate is issued within 7 days.

Multi-disciplined team

We cover 20+ services in the built environment, with specialists providing high-value calculations and strong advice.

Achievable solutions

Our professionals provide recommendations that are calculated to ensure real-world outcomes, resulting in cost-effectiveness and high impact.

Expert support

Our service doesn’t end with the reports. We can provide ongoing support and expertise, to ensure your public building reduces actual energy consumption.

Speak to our
experts today

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Display Energy Certificates
FAQs

While both assess energy performance, a DEC reflects the actual operational energy use of a building, based on real energy consumption data. In contrast, an EPC evaluates a building's theoretical energy efficiency based on its design and construction features, rather than how it is used.

DECs are required for public buildings with a total useful floor area over 250m² that are frequently visited by the public. Examples include schools, hospitals, libraries, and government offices.

A DEC assessment requires:

  • Annual energy consumption data (eg, electricity, gas, and heating oil bills).
  • Floor plans or building layouts to determine the total usable floor area.
  • Details about building use, occupancy patterns, and operating hours.
  • Information on installed systems like heating, ventilation, and lighting.
  • On-site assessment access to retrieve any of the above information.

A standard DEC assessment in Colchester typically takes 5-7 working days, depending on the availability of energy data and the complexity of the building. Buildings over 1,000m² may require additional time for the advisory report.

A DEC advisory report provides broad recommendations to improve energy efficiency based on operational data, focusing on practical changes like upgrading systems or optimising energy use. An energy audit, however, is a more detailed and comprehensive analysis, often including cost-benefit assessments for specific energy-saving measures.

The Evolution of
Display Energy Certificates

Display Energy Certificates (DECs) are a crucial tool for monitoring and improving the operational energy performance of public buildings. As part of the UK government’s efforts to modernise energy performance, DECs are being refined to better serve their purpose of driving efficiency.

Why DECs Are Essential

DECs offer a clear indication of a public building’s operational energy use, measured annually and displayed on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). They help building managers and occupants understand energy performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Spoke with Josh who not only reassured me but asked for a fee that I thought was fair. Thank you Josh. Use again? Definitely.

Steve Quirk

The team really know their stuff – super helpful and always had clear answers to any questions or compliance issues we ran into. Definitely our go-to for any future projects!

Nathan Donnelly

Quick and well priced water calculation service and received an appliance specification report alongside the certificate which was really useful for us and the building control officer, highly recommended!

Ilma Akhtar

Very knowledgeable about building regulations, and the industry. Always goes the extra mile to help out! 5*

Karim Meraga

Still unsure?

We offer free phone call and email support until you’re ready to proceed with us.
Access free support for your project now.

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