Energy Performance Certificates

If you are selling, renting or constructing a property you must provide an Energy Performance Certificate.

This certificate shows how energy efficient the property is. The rating is based on:

1. How the property is built
2. Insulation built into the property
3. The heating system 
4. The lighting system 

The Energy Performance Certificate is valid for 10 years. However you should renew the certificate if you make major changes to the property that could affect its energy rating, such as large refurbishments or building work.

Letting and Estate Agents are required to include an Energy Performance Certificate when they advertise the property.

An Energy Performance Certificate is not required for the following properties:

1. Places of Worship
2. Temporary buildings
3. Detached buildings less than 50 square metres with the exception of dwellings

To get an Energy Performance Certificate you will have to hire an Energy Assessor in your area here: getting-new-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/find-an-assessor/type-of-property.

The Energy Assessor will record the Energy Performance Certificate on the Northern Ireland register.  

You can also call us on 0330 137 4003 for further advice.

Display Energy Certificates (DECs)

A Display Energy Certificate (DEC) is required for buildings that:

1. Have a total usable floor area over 250 square metres
2. Are occupied by a public authority or public service
3. Are visited often by members of the public

A DEC shows the building’s actual energy use. It helps the public see how energy efficient the building is. The rating is based on the building’s recorded energy consumption from gas, electricity and other meters.

A DEC is valid for one year, with the associated Advisory Report valid for seven years. The DEC must be displayed where it is visible to the public.  

To obtain a DEC you will have to employ the services of an Energy Assessor in your area here: getting-new-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/find-an-assessor/type-of-property. 

The Energy Assessor will record the DEC on the Northern Ireland register. 

Air Conditioning Inspections

If a building has an air conditioning system with a rated output of 12 kilowatts or more, it must be inspected by an Energy Assessor.
Inspections must take place:

1. Within five years of the first installation or the previous inspection
2. By an assessor who is part of an accreditation scheme approved by the Department of Finance

If your system was installed before 30 December 2008 and has not yet been inspected, it must be inspected now under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.

If it was installed on or after 30 December 2008, it must be inspected within five years of the installation date.
A copy of the latest inspection report must always be kept by the person responsible for the building.

To obtain an Air Conditioning Certificate you will have to employ the services of an Energy Assessor in your area here: getting-new-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/find-an-assessor/type-of-property.

The Energy Assessor will record the Air Conditioning Certificate on the Northern Ireland register.

You can also call us on 0330 137 4003 for further advice.

Contact Details

T: 0330 137 4003
E: buildingcontrol@nmandd.org