DEC- Display Energy Certs

Display Energy Certificates (DECs) play a crucial role in promoting transparency and sustainability in the realm of energy consumption. These certificates, mandatory for public buildings in Ireland, showcase the actual energy usage and efficiency of a structure. A DEC provides a clear rating (A to G) based on the building’s energy performance, allowing the public and stakeholders to gauge its environmental impact. Updated annually, DECs are not only a legal requirement but also serve as a powerful tool to encourage organisations to adopt energy-efficient practices, contributing to broader efforts in reducing carbon footprints and fostering a more eco-conscious society.

How a DEC is calculated

The DEC rating is determined by a DEC Assessor who analyses the actual energy consumption data over a year, encompassing various energy sources such as different fuel types, electricity, and district heating and cooling. The operational rating is derived from meter readings or energy bills.

In cases where sufficient billing data is unavailable, an estimate from the energy supplier can be utilised to conduct the DEC. It’s imperative to update the DEC annually to accurately reflect energy consumption trends.

Consideration of Local Factors:

To ensure accuracy, benchmarks are employed to account for local variables during the DEC calculation. These benchmarks encompass specific building use categories with standardised usage patterns, as well as considerations for specific locations and climates. Adjustments are made in scenarios where:

The building’s usage spans multiple categories.
There is a notable climate contrast between the building and the standard benchmark.
The building’s usage periods significantly deviate from the standard benchmark.
Certain identified processes result in higher energy intensity compared to the typical usage for the building category.

DEC- Display Energy Certs

How a DEC is calculated

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