Display Energy Certificates (DEC) change in requirements
As many of you are already aware, a DEC is required for any building that exceeds 500m2 which is frequently visited by the public. Please note that this changed from the 9th July 2015.
A DEC will be required where the total useful floor area of the building exceeds 250m2 which 'is occupied in whole or part by public authorities and frequently visited by the public'.
The BMA legal department were asked for a view on whether they think practices would be covered. They have said that for the purposes of a GP practice the definition of a public building is likely to include surgery premises, as GP practices are in receipt of public funds and provide a public service to large numbers of people who visit regularly.
They have added that their opinion is that it would be for the occupier of the building, rather than the owner to arrange the DEC (the use of the building will usually be dictated by the occupier so it would make sense for them to arrange same if the above criteria is applicable to them). However, the position might be different if NHS Propco owns the building, rather than a private landlord, in which case they will probably be responsible for obtaining and paying for the DEC. The guidance does also state that where there is doubt over whether a DEC is needed, it is good practice to obtain one (Guide to Display Energy Certificates and Advisory reports for Public Buildings). The DEC is purely based on the overall output of a building and not each single piece of equipment.
The assessment must be undertaken by an accredited energy assessor using the methodology approved by the Secretary of State. To check that an energy assessor is a member of an accreditation scheme, a search facility is available on the central register website: www.ndepcregister.com
To view the Regulations please visit:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/3118/regulation/14/made
The following provides an overview of the validity periods for a DEC:
| Floor Area (M2) | Validity of DEC | Validity of Recommendation report |
| >1000 | 12 Months | 7 Years |
| 501-1000 | 10 Years | 10 Years |
| >250-500 | As Regulations are currently written, when the floor area threshold is reduced to 250m2 from the 9th July 2015, it is presumed that these DECs will be valid for 10 years | As Regulations are currently written, when the floor area is reduced to 250m2 from the 9th July 2015, it is presumed that these recommendation reports will be valid for 10 years |
All Somerset Practices are members of the LMC Buying Group and may wish to look at their website http://www.lmcbuyinggroups.co.uk/suppliers/profile/asbestos-and-environmental-surveys/. ASI Environmental can be contacted via telephone or email: 0800 161 3384 or enquiries@asi-surveys.co.uk . All prices include a full Assessment, Lodging of Display Energy Certificates and Advisories. To ensure you get the discounted price you will need to mention you are a member of the LMC Buying Group. However, we are also aware that there are other local Chartered Engineers who offer this service so it may be worth shopping around or working with other local practices to obtain a discount.
