For England and Wales from 1st October 2008 this means that Display Energy Certificates (DECs) are required to be displayed at all times in public authority and institutional buildings of greater than 1,000m2 floor area, which provide public services to a large number of people. In addition, a valid Advisory Report (AR) must be available for inspection, which will explain how the energy-efficiency of the building's operations can be improved. The DEC is valid for one year while the AR is renewed every seven years. Penalties will be imposed for failure to produce a valid DEC or Advisory Report.






