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The ECA Business Energy team

Our clients achieve EPBD compliance, thanks to our simple, complete compliance and advice service.

Our energy experts can help you with Display Energy Certificates (DECs), and Non-domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

As business energy specialists, our team can help you achieve compliance.

We have prepared Factsheets with links to government guidance, available for download here »

Our specialist team deliver a comprehensive range of compliance services including:

Display Energy Certificates (DECs)

Display Energy Certificates (DECs) promote the improvement of the energy performance of buildings and form part of the implementation in England and Wales of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive through the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.

Buildings in Northern Ireland and Scotland are subject to separate regulatory requirements and are not covered by our information or the Government guidance we refer to, please contact us if you need a DEC in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

A DEC shows the energy performance of a building based on actual energy consumption for a 12 month period; this is shown as the operational rating.

The operational rating is a numerical indicator of the actual annual carbon dioxide emissions from the building.

A DEC must be accompanied by a Recommendation Report (RR), this report highlights recommendations to improve the energy performance of the building (i.e. its fabric and associated services such as heating, ventilation and lighting).

Which buildings need a DEC?

Only buildings with a total useful floor area greater than 250 m2, occupied by a public authority and frequently visited by the public are affected by this legislation. It is the responsibility of every occupier of a building affected by these regulations to display a valid DEC in a prominent place clearly visible to the public at all times and have in their possession or control a valid Recommendation Report.

How long are DECs & RRs valid for?

Buildings over 1000 m2: the DEC is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually. The RR is valid for 7 years.

Buildings over 250 m2 and under 1000 m2: both the DEC & RR are valid for 10 years.

To comply with the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations, valid Display Energy Certificates must be displayed in a prominent location in the building, and a valid Recommendation Report must be available to view upon request.

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Non-Domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

A certificate (and associated recommendation report) that sets out the energy efficiency rating of a property and contains recommendations for ways in which the efficiency of the property could be improved. Virtually all domestic and non-domestic buildings sold, rented out or constructed in England & Wales since 2008 must have an EPC. An EPC may also be required when a property is altered in particular ways.

Buildings in Northern Ireland and Scotland are subject to separate regulatory requirements and are not covered by our information or the Government guidance we refer to, please contact us if you need a EPC in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

An EPC and the Recommendation Report are valid for 10 years, unless superseded by a new EPC.

The purpose of a non-domestic /non dwelling EPC in England & Wales is to indicate how energy efficient a building is.

Each energy rating is based on the characteristics of the building itself (the fabric) and its services (such as heating, ventilation and lighting). Hence this type of rating is known as an asset rating.

The asset ratings will reflect considerations including the age and condition of the building. Each EPC must be accompanied by a Recommendation Report which, where appropriate, provides recommendations on using the building more effectively, cost effective improvements and other more expensive improvements which could enhance the building’s energy performance.

When is an EPC required?

You will require an EPC on construction and before marketing your property for sale or let in England & Wales.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES)

If you are leasing out your building in England & Wales you need to be aware of and comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) for the letting of non-domestic buildings.

Important changes to the regulations have been in place since April 2018, requiring EPCs for new leases or lease renewals to be of an E rating or better.

A further important change with significant potential impact for Landlords comes into force in April 2023 when all leased property (with a few exceptions) must meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard.

MEES does not directly apply to a property that is for sale but many prospective purchasers and lenders will be reluctant to (or will not) purchase a building with a substandard EPC rating.

If we provide this service for you, we will:


Contact our team of business energy compliance specialists for a friendly chat »