The occupier, in collaboration with the energy assessor, will need to obtain actual meter readings or consignment notes for all fuels used in the buildings that are affected by this legislation. This may include gas fuels, oil fuels, solid fuels, district heating and cooling, grid electricity and electricity generated on site or obtained by private distribution systems from other sites.
For district heating and cooling and electricity generated on site, or obtained by private distribution systems from other sites, the average carbon factor for the fuel over the accounting period will need to be obtained e.g. in kg of carbon dioxide per kWh delivered.
You can obtain the information required to produce a DEC from a number of sources:
- on-site energy meters
- the building landlord or representative[footnote 2]
- the utility supplier
- the district heating / cooling provider
The calculation of the operational rating is based on annual energy consumption, which means the energy consumed over the period of one calendar year (365 days). Ideally all energies are metered over the same one-year period.
For more information on assessment and measurement periods, please see the Government methodology for producing operational ratings, display energy certificates and advisory reports.
A team of people can work on gathering the information for an energy assessment as long as they are working under the direction of an accredited energy assessor. The accredited energy assessor must ensure that anyone visiting a property or gathering information on their behalf is both fit and proper and suitably qualified to gather the information. Only accredited energy assessors can produce and lodge DECs.
An accredited energy assessor may use data previously collected about a building. They must, however, be satisfied that any data about a building has been properly collected and accurately reflects the building as they will be responsible for any data used to produce a DEC.
Mike Gordon
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