To drive energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the buildings sector, owners of buildings are legally required to register their buildings by 2 August 2024 and display an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) by early December 2025. This is Part 2 of a two-part series.
The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), whose mandate is to undertake measures to promote energy efficiency throughout the economy through the development of innovative, clean and resource-efficient solutions, notes that buildings are responsible for between 30% and 40% of carbon emissions worldwide and that EPC programmes are commonplace as a measure to drive down fossil fuel consumption and these discharges globally.
Nqobile Ngcobo, EPC lead at SANEDI, highlights the value and importance of obtaining EPCs, saying: “Managing energy consumption and reducing emissions is not only about supporting global climate change targets, it is also economically and physiologically better for organisations and individuals. By understanding how much energy is being consumed, one becomes more aware of one’s own behaviour (like not leaving lights on in an unoccupied room), and one can then start to reduce inefficient usage and change consumption behaviour patterns. There are also significant cost reduction implications – particularly in the long term – and decreasing emissions is also better for one’s health. Each one of us has a part to play in minimising our country’s carbon footprint, and by starting with more energy-efficient buildings, we can make a greater difference.”
SANEDI maintains an EPC register on behalf of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and is playing a crucial role in registering EPC professionals and driving energy efficiency in the buildings sector.
South Africa subscribes to several global commitments to reduce energy consumption and combat climate change and is aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Our building sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas releases, however, it is also one that can be easily rectified to be more sustainable and power-efficient through reduced usage and discharges, as well as behaviour change. The more resource-wise buildings become, the more demand will be taken off the electrical grid which in turn reduces chances of loadshedding or load reduction and it will also help us meet our international obligations and commitments in this realm. An energy-efficient building is less expensive to run and adds value to a building’s price and rental costs – a further benefit for landlords.
A reminder of important deadlines:
1 August 2024: Application submission date for EPC-registered professionals
2 August 2024: Compulsory registration of buildings
7 December 2025: Accreditation and display of EPC