• Do you occupy a public building of more than 1000m2? and
• Is your building occupied or part-occupied by a public authority or institution providing a public service? and
• Is your building visited by large numbers of the general public?

If so, from October 1st 2008 the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive makes it compulsory for you to have a Display Energy Certificate (DEC). This rates the operational performance of your building in terms of CO2 emissions. You also need an advisory report, which highlights cost effective measures you can implement to improve energy performance.

Which Buildings need Display Energy Certificates?

If your service or building is listed below, you may need a DEC

Public Authorities include:

• Central & local government
• NHS Trusts
• Schools (maintained & community)
• Police, Courts, Prisons
• MOD & Army
• Executive agencies
• Statutory regulatory bodies

Affected Buildings include

• Schools
• Leisure centres (but not private clubs)
• Hospitals
• Municipal golf club houses
• Public libraries
• Museums & art galleries provided by public authorities

Is there a penalty for non-compliance?

The penalty is £500 for failing to display a DEC at all times in a prominent place visible to the public, and £1,000 for not being in possession of a valid advisory report. The DEC must be renewed every year, but the advisory report is valid for seven years.

Who can produce DECs?

Energy Assessors accredited to produce certificates for these types of buildings are the only people who can provide the certificates. Because of tight timescales, the number of buildings involved and the lack of trained assessors, demand on their services will be very high.

What should you do now?

Energy assessors are still being trained, and because of the numbers of buildings involved, will be in big demand between now and October 1st. Liverpool Chamber in conjunction with Utility Auditing Limited, part of ENER-G Plc, is a Carbon Trust approved energy consultancy offer qualified assessors who can provide complete Display Energy Certification services, and give advice on what you should do to ensure compliance and improved energy efficiency.

Register your interest with the membership team on 0151 227 1234 or email membership@liverpoolchamber.org.uk