Local Authorities & Public Sector

Public sector buildings carry specific compliance obligations that go beyond standard EPCs. Display Energy Certificates are a legal requirement for larger public buildings, Energy Audits audits apply to qualifying organisations, and BREEAM assessments are increasingly required for new public sector builds and major refurbishments. Meeting these obligations requires assessors who understand not just the technical requirements, but the procurement processes, reporting standards and audit trails that public sector work demands.

We have extensive experience working with local authorities, NHS trusts, schools, universities, leisure centres and other public sector organisations across the South West and beyond. Our clients include Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, the National Trust and the Forestry Commission — organisations with large and varied property portfolios that require a reliable, methodical service across multiple building types and uses.

Display Energy Certificates (DECs) for Public Buildings

Display Energy Certificates are a legal requirement for public buildings with a total useful floor area over 250m². Larger buildings over 1,000m² require annual renewal; buildings between 250m² and 1,000m² require renewal every 10 years.

Annual DEC renewals can usually be carried out without a site visit, provided a full year's energy consumption data is available — making the process straightforward for organisations managing multiple buildings. We work with schools, leisure centres, hospitals, surgeries, council offices and universities of all sizes, and can manage DEC renewal programmes across entire property portfolios, ensuring nothing lapses and all certificates remain compliant.

Each DEC is accompanied by an Advisory Report, which sets out recommendations for improving the operational energy efficiency of the building. For the first year DEC a full site survey is required, covering HVAC systems, lighting, building fabric and how the building is used.

Energy Audits

The Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (Energy Audits) applies to large organisations — including many local authorities, NHS trusts and universities — and requires a comprehensive energy audit every four years. We hold Lead Energy Assessor accreditation for Energy Audits and can carry out Phase audits in full compliance with the scheme requirements, providing the documentation and sign-off needed for Environment Agency reporting.

Procurement & Framework Experience

We understand the procurement processes and governance requirements that come with public sector work. We can provide the methodology notes, output documentation and audit trails needed to satisfy internal sign-off, compliance teams and external audit requirements. We are experienced in working within framework agreements and responding to formal procurement processes where required.

BREEAM Assessments

BREEAM is increasingly specified for new public sector buildings and major refurbishments. We can undertake thermal comfort assessments (Hea 04), CO2 reduction assessments (Ene 01) and visual comfort assessments (Hea 01) as part of the BREEAM process. We recommend engaging us as early in the design stage as possible to ensure credits can be achieved without costly design changes later.