This section of the website deals with typical queries that users might have on how to navigate this website.

The links on the left-hand panel of the website will allow quick navigation around the various pages of information on the background of the website. Once the user enters the DEC Input section they will be required to input their energy use data into the fields provided. As the user completes each step of data input the website will automatically perform the various calculations required to produce your school's Display Energy Certificate.

FAQ 1 - How do I know what information is required?

As you log in to the DEC Input section of the website there will be a button on the top right where you can download a pdf document containing the questions you will be required to answer. Using this document you can then collect all the information required before accessing the website again and inputting your data for cert generation. Some of these questions provide drop-down lists of options to simplify the data input process.

FAQ 2 - How do I know which answer applies to my school in the drop-down list of options?

Each page in the Cert Generation section of the website has a help section available that explains each input field in more detail. In the case of drop down lists this help page tries to explain each option within that list in a comprehensive manner.

FAQ 3 - How do I convert my Energy Use into kWh as required in the input field?

If the energy bill in question does not contain a kWh figure then the conversion should be calculated using the SEI conversion figures. The page that requires input from energy bills also contains a tool for converting a number of other fuel measurements in kWh. Similarly in the area input page, a seperate tool is provided for converting from square feet to square metres.

The consumption of Heating Energy should be provided in kWh. In the case of a gas supply this figure will normally be found towards the top of your bill as shown in the following link. Locating kWh on a Gas Bill

Follow this link for a demonstration of how to locate the kWh figure on an ESB bill. This should also explain how to identify the kWh figure if you are using a different electriicty provider. Locating kWh on an ESB bill

FAQ 4 - How do I input seperate heating fuels supplying a single building?

If the building utilises electric heating this will be reflected in a high electrical energy use and lower non-electrical use at the final certificate. If the building uses multiple other heating fuels then this should be input into the fields for multiple building areas with the areas used in each field being greater than 1 but totalling to the area of the school building.

FAQ 5 - How do I input seperate electrical bills supplying the school?

The total electrical use should be entered as a single input in the field provided.