CIBSE president highlights the benefits of DECs to Chancellor of the Exchequer

DEC, Display Energy Certificate
Call to roll out Display Energy Certificates — CIBSE president Andy Ford.

Following the Government’s success in beating its own target for cutting CO2 emissions from its estate, CIBSE president Andy Ford has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, calling for the introduction of Display Energy Certificates (DECs) in the commercial sector.

Emissions from 3000 Government buildings were reduced by 13.8%, cutting energy bills by £13 million. Most of the buildings involved had DECs to measure actual energy use and recommend improvement measures. The estimated cost of producing the certificates is £900 000, based on average DEC costs as estimated by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills, so the savings far exceed the costs of the certificates.

Despite widespread calls to introduce DECs for larger business premises, there have been concerns in Government that they would be a burden rather than a benefit.

Hywel Davies, CIBSE’s technical director, said,, ‘If we are to meet the tough targets for current UK emissions by 80% by 2050, we must take action now to ensure our buildings are using energy efficiently. We see the introduction of DECs to the commercial sector as essential to this goal, and so are calling on Mr Osborne to support the amendment of the Energy Bill to include provisions for DECs in the commercial sector.’

Related articles:



modbs tv logo

More refrigerant bans possible, says government

The government could tighten up the rules that restrict the use of global warming refrigerant gases including speeding up phase-out programmes and introducing new bans, according to a spokesman from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Baxi research suggests schools strongly support heat decarbonisation

A survey conducted by Baxi of 200 state school estates managers, consultant engineers and M&E contractors has found that while enthusiasm for Net Zero and support for low carbon heating systems in schools is thriving, persistent barriers remain.