Will Display Energy Certificates Contain Less Information?
- arryawke
- Mar 4, 2015
- 1 min read
A recent consultation with the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) reviewed the role and methodology of Display Energy Certificates (DECs), which could mean less information is available on them.
The review looked at how to make DECs less of a burden and to simplify the processes involved in obtaining them.
Overall, BSRIA believes that the change could mean much less information is at hand about the efficient operation of public buildings.
BSRIA spokesperson, Ian Orme, who is Head of Sustainable Construction at the organisation said:
“It is perhaps no surprise that a Government that has tried to reduce ‘red tape’ and ensure that EU Directives are not ‘gold plated’ has consulted on the idea of streamlining the Display Energy Certificates (DECs) process and making this voluntary, rather than compulsory.
“Many commentators have already highlighted the inconsistency in Government policy. On the one-hand desiring to maintain action on moving to a low carbon economy, but on the other removing the one requirement to actual publish and make visible the energy performance of publically accessible buildings.”
He continued:
“It is not so long ago that a fierce debate took place into the idea of extending the requirement to all commercial buildings. Why?
“Well, it is clear that being transparent about the energy performance of the buildings you own and manage, demonstrating that you are investing in them and acting to improve the energy efficiency of them is a clear message to others that this is the correct direction of travel. Isn’t that a positive message to encourage others to follow your lead?”
