The latest edition of the UNEP Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction reveals that the built environment significantly contributes to climate change. In 2022, buildings accounted for 34% of global energy demand, 37% of energy and process-related carbon dioxide (CO2) and about 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Recognising the built environment as a key driver in adopting sustainable development practices, property owners play a crucial role in the push for energy efficiency. They understand the importance of collaborating with experts in the field to enhance the energy efficiency of non-residential properties, significantly contributing towards achieving
net-zero targets.

South Africa embraces EPCs as part of the country’s energy-efficiency efforts

On 8 December 2020, it became mandatory for accounting officers and building owners to display and submit an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for their buildings – or risk a fine of up to R5 million, up to five years imprisonment, or both.

“As we strive to meet the objectives of the UNʼs 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, implementing sustainable and efficient energy solutions has never been more critical. Every kilowatt-hour saved counts towards realising sustainability targets. This is the power of an EPC,” says Frikkie Malan, Chief Commercial Officer at Remote Metering Solutions (RMS).

The EPC regulations apply to buildings with a net floor area greater than 2 000m2 if privately owned, and greater than 1 000m2 if government owned. The certificate remains valid for five years, allowing building owners adequate time to enhance their buildings’ energy performance before the next renewal. The following occupancy classes require an EPC by 7 December 2025:

• A1: Entertainment venues or places of public assembly
• A2: Theatrical or indoor sports venues
• A3: Places of instruction (including schools, colleges and universities)
• G1: Offices

A South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)-accredited inspection body currently issues an EPC. From 1 August 2024, an EPC will be issued by a “registered professional.”
To issue an EPC, the inspection body (or registered professional) defines a building’s energy performance in terms of kilowatt hours per square metre per annum (kWh/m2/a) of the building net floor area, in accordance with the National EPC Standard (SANS 1544 & SANS 10400XA:2021). The EPC considers all forms of energy the building uses – this includes electricity from the main grid, alternative energy sources (e.g., a solar PV plant) and other forms of energy like liquid fuel (used in generators), gas fuel and even solid fuels.

Time is ticking for EPC compliance

Time is running out for building owners and accounting officers of organs of state to obtain EPCs for their buildings. To comply, two critical deadlines must be met:

• By 3 August 2024, buildings must be registered on the National Building Energy Performance Register (NBEPR), hosted and maintained by the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI).
• By 7 December 2025, buildings must be certified and certificates prominently displayed. A certified EPC must also be submitted to SANEDI, where the certificate will be uploaded to the NBEPR.

EPC certification is a vital decision-making tool, and most property owners can use EPC data to make better-informed choices along their journey towards net zero.

“While an initial investment may be required to improve the energy efficiency of your buildings, there are definite savings and other financial incentives that will benefit you eventually. For instance, when selling a building with poor energy performance, as expressed on the EPC, it could be more challenging than selling a similar building with a better energy performance, which could make the building more marketable,” says Malan.

As a leading SANAS-accredited EPC inspection body, RMS has certified over 900 buildings since 2022. This includes certificates for listed property funds, government-owned properties, private property owners, universities and schools.

For a worry-free EPC compliance journey, contact Claudia Hedley at RMS at +27 12 001 3600, or on
Claudia.Hedley@remotemetering.net or info@epc-certification.com.