DECs - aka Display Energy Certificates
As from today it has become a statutory requirement for schools to have a DEC assessment and certificate in any buildings over 1000m2.
Communication about the DEC has been poor to say the least with many schools either not being aware of it at all, or having a vague notion about it but not realising that as from 1st October 2008 it is a statutory requirement.
Essentially a DEC indicates the energy efficiency of the building for which it is issued and this is shown on a publically displayed certificate similar to the Energy Performance Certificates found in a HIP report. Anyone can ask to see the DEC.
What is little known is that any eligible buildings not showing a DEC are in strict contravention of the law (this is according to the LCEA). However the latest news is that local government has been told to inform Trading Standards Officers that any premises visited who require a certificate must produce evidence that they have applied for a survey to be carried out i.e. a "letter of legal intent". This has been allowed because there are so many assessors still in the "awaiting accreditation" category. However from the 1st January 2009 officers have been informed to take a much stronger line and it is likely we will see some examples of prosecution in the press to hammer the point home. Our advice therefore would be that schools place an order, which will suffice as a "Legal Intent", even if the survey cannot be done straight away.
As far as fines are concerned, some building owners have mentioned that it would be cheaper to pay the fine - this is unfortunately not so! Indications are that the 1st fine is £500 and multiples of £500 each time the building fails to produce a certificate when someone requests to see the DEC. Anyone can request to see a buildings DEC and it has to be displayed in a prominent place in the public area. Should this not be done or there's a refusal to show a DEC to anyone who asks to see it, the school can be reported to the Trading Standards, who will no doubt have to take action if its reported to them from the public sector. For that matter anyone can contest the rating shown on the certificate, particularly if it is unlikely. For example older buildings will be expected to acquire poorer ratings, and a Georgian or Victorian building with an "A" or "B" rating without evidence of major improvement probably will get contested.
Should you require further information on the DEC, contact Pure Solar on 07710 707803 or email us at dec@puresolar.co.uk
Communication about the DEC has been poor to say the least with many schools either not being aware of it at all, or having a vague notion about it but not realising that as from 1st October 2008 it is a statutory requirement.
Essentially a DEC indicates the energy efficiency of the building for which it is issued and this is shown on a publically displayed certificate similar to the Energy Performance Certificates found in a HIP report. Anyone can ask to see the DEC.
What is little known is that any eligible buildings not showing a DEC are in strict contravention of the law (this is according to the LCEA). However the latest news is that local government has been told to inform Trading Standards Officers that any premises visited who require a certificate must produce evidence that they have applied for a survey to be carried out i.e. a "letter of legal intent". This has been allowed because there are so many assessors still in the "awaiting accreditation" category. However from the 1st January 2009 officers have been informed to take a much stronger line and it is likely we will see some examples of prosecution in the press to hammer the point home. Our advice therefore would be that schools place an order, which will suffice as a "Legal Intent", even if the survey cannot be done straight away.
As far as fines are concerned, some building owners have mentioned that it would be cheaper to pay the fine - this is unfortunately not so! Indications are that the 1st fine is £500 and multiples of £500 each time the building fails to produce a certificate when someone requests to see the DEC. Anyone can request to see a buildings DEC and it has to be displayed in a prominent place in the public area. Should this not be done or there's a refusal to show a DEC to anyone who asks to see it, the school can be reported to the Trading Standards, who will no doubt have to take action if its reported to them from the public sector. For that matter anyone can contest the rating shown on the certificate, particularly if it is unlikely. For example older buildings will be expected to acquire poorer ratings, and a Georgian or Victorian building with an "A" or "B" rating without evidence of major improvement probably will get contested.
Should you require further information on the DEC, contact Pure Solar on 07710 707803 or email us at dec@puresolar.co.uk
posted by Chris Whitelock at
09:25
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