South Africa has registered just over 7 000 buildings for energy performance certificates (EPCs) ahead of the December 7 compliance deadline. The national target is 60 000. The figures were released by the Department of Electricity and Energy on July 24, signalling a backlog less than five months before enforcement begins.
EPCs were first mandated in December 2020 under regulations issued in terms of the National Energy Act 34 of 2008. The regulations require large public and private buildings to obtain and publicly display EPCs indicating their measured energy consumption. The initial compliance deadline of December 2022 was extended to December 7 this year to allow more time for registration and implementation support. The programme is administered by the Department of Electricity and Energy in partnership with the South African National Energy Development Institute.
According to a statement, 7 113 buildings have been registered and 3 884 EPCs issued as of July 21. “With only five months left before registrations close, large building owners need to prioritise this. We are aiming to reach 60 000 registrations by the closing date. I am working with the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, and will also be working with premiers and mayors to ensure this issue receives immediate attention,” said Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Samantha Graham-Maré.
EPCs are mandatory for:
- All state-owned buildings larger than 1 000 m²
- Privately owned commercial buildings larger than 2 000 m² under occupancy classes A1 (entertainment), A2 (theatrical and indoor sport), A3 (places of instruction) and G1 (offices)
