Energy performance certificate
What is as an Energy Performance Certificate, who needs one and when is it due?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that rates the energy efficiency of a building. It is issued by an accredited body in accordance with the South African National Standard SANS 1544:2014 Energy Performance certificates for buildings.
In South Africa, EPCs are mandatory for private, non-residential, non-industrial buildings with a total net floor area of over 2000sqm, and government buildings of over 1000sqm. The deadline for obtaining an EPC was December 2022 and this was later extended to the 7th of December 2025, and failure to comply may result in a fine of up to R5 million or five years imprisonment.
The primary objective of EPCs is to make building owners aware of their energy consumption and encourage them to be more energy efficient. EPCs also provide information to tenants and buyers about the energy efficiency of a building, which can help them make more informed decisions.
The EPC rating is based on a scale of A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least efficient. The rating is calculated using a number of factors, including the building's age, size, construction materials, and energy-using equipment.
EPCs can be a valuable tool for building owners who are looking to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. By making improvements to the building's insulation, lighting, and HVAC systems, owners can often achieve a significant reduction in energy consumption. This can lead to lower energy bills, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
If you are a building owner in South Africa, you should contact an accredited EPC assessor to have your building assessed. An EPC can provide you with valuable information about the energy efficiency of your property and help you make informed decisions about how to improve it.
Here are some of the benefits of having an EPC:
- Improves energy efficiency
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- Makes your building more comfortable and healthy
- Saves you money on energy bills
- Increases the value of your property
- Makes your property more attractive to tenants and buyers
If you are a building owner in South Africa, I encourage you to get an EPC for your property. It is a valuable tool that can help you improve the energy efficiency of your building and save you money on energy bills.