DISPLAY ENERGY CERTIFICATES (DEC)
Display Energy Certificate Sample
From the 9th January 2013 publicly and privately owned buildings over 500m2, frequently visited by the public, are required to exhibit a DEC, in a prominent place, clearly visible to the public. The DEC is intended to encourage public authorities to adopt environmentally responsible and efficient use of energy in buildings.
DEC Format
The DEC is based on the measured energy use, where the actual energy consumed in the building is compared to a benchmark for similar buildings, and shown on the certificate A1 – G scale in terms of primary energy. There is also a CO2 indicator which shows the CO2 emissions associated with the building’s energy consumption. Benchmark or typical buildings have a E1 rating.
DEC Calculations
The DEC rating is calculated on the basis of the ACTUAL energy consumption, during occupation, over a ONE YEAR period. The DEC reflects the use of the building and the practices of management and maintenance. This is calculated from meter readings / bills or an alternative reliable source. From this, an operational rating is derived. The energy used by the building over the year is required. This may include gas fuels, oil fuels, solid fuels, district heating and cooling and electricity. Energy consumption is ideally obtained directly from onsite incoming energy meters, or from energy supply company bills. If this information is not available from those maintaining the building or the landlord, an estimate should be provided from the energy supplier. The Assessor can only use estimates data directly from the energy supplier and no other source.
How is a DEC Generated
The DEC procedure involves the collection of all relevant data required to produce the certificate, by the registered Assessor. The data is put into a workbook and forwarded on to SEAI for processing. The DEC is generated by SEAI. Once the relevant party receives the DEC, it must be displayed in a prominent place. The certificate displays the grade awarded, an energy performance indicator, a CO2 performance indicator, histograms of trends in energy, primary electrical and heating energy per unit, a building identifier, basic building technical information, period of validity of the DEC, a unique DEC number and DEC Assessor number