Everything You Need To Know About Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

South Africa’s energy supply is primarily generated by coal, producing 82% of all our domestic power. As a country, we have a lot of work to do to meet our UN Climate Promise goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

Given our collective need to meet these climate promises, the government has pushed all South Africans to become more sustainable and energy-efficient by mandating that certain buildings display an Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

But what exactly is an EPC?

What Is An EPC?

An EPC is a document that must be displayed and provides an energy rating for buildings, indicating how energy-efficient the property is.

The EPC is an energy report that gives potential buyers, tenants, and owners information about the building’s energy consumption, potential energy costs, and environmental footprint.

An EPC will show a rating between A (most efficient) and G (least efficient). The report will include recommendations on how to improve the energy efficiency of your building.

But how are these EPC ratings calculated?

How Are EPC Ratings Calculated?

Inspections and assessments must be conducted by an accredited energy assessor authorised by the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI). These assessors usually have a professional background in building energy efficiency sector.

For an accredited EPC inspection, you must hire a SANEDI-approved assessor or an organisation accredited to issue certificates. The on-site inspection and evaluation will review the following:

• Structural aspects (windows and doors)
• Insulation
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Lighting
• Renewable energy installations

The assessor will also collect and analyse the building’s energy consumption patterns (how much water and electricity is used on the property) and carbon emissions data to calculate an energy performance rating.

As mentioned, this performance rating will be between A and G. An EPC is valid for five years. After this period, you will need to update your assessment rating.

But who needs to apply for an EPC?

Who Legally Needs An EPC In South Africa?

Currently, only certain types of non-residential buildings need to display an EPC. Generally, buildings with a large footprint or that consume more energy need to apply for an EPC.

Examples of public buildings and commercial properties that need an EPC are:

• Offices
• Retail spaces
• Hospitality buildings (e.g., hotels, conference centres)
• Educational institutions (e.g., schools, universities)

Only buildings with a total net floor area of 2,000 square meters or more are required to obtain an EPC.

Also, the EPC requirement generally applies to existing buildings that have been used for at least two years.

Newly constructed buildings or those with a significant overhaul in energy-related infrastructure may be temporarily exempt until an entire two-year operating period has passed.

While this EPC requirement seems to have come out of nowhere, it started back in mid-2010.

We eventually arrived at needing an EPC through the approval of several new South African National Standards (SANS). These new SANS that led to EPC include the following:

• In mid-2010, SANS 204:2011 “Energy Efficiency in Buildings”
• In mid-2010, SANS 10400 XA:2021 “Energy Usage in Buildings”
• And in 2015, the issuing of SANS 1544:2014 “Energy Performance Certificate” Standard

After issuing the SANS “Energy Performance Certificate” Standard, a draft regulation (or the EPC regulation) for the mandatory display and submission of energy performance certificates for buildings was published for public comment in July 2018.

The regulation was enacted in December 2020 and was published under Gazette Notice 700 of 2020.

Now, it is a requirement for accounting officers or building owners to obtain an EPC certificate before 07 December 2025. Public buildings and large commercial properties must display an EPC by this deadline.

It’s worth noting that a building with a poor EPC rating will not penalised. However, not complying with the EPC deadline can result in serious repercussions.

Fines can be up to R5 million or a prison sentence of up to five years.

But for those who want to improve their building’s EPC rating, what can you do?

How To Improve Your EPC Rating

Improving your property’s EPC rating can make it more attractive to tenants and increase its market value. An energy-efficient building is cheap to maintain and run.

To increase your EPC rating, you can do the following:

Upgrade Insulation

Installing or upgrading insulation in roofs, walls, and floors helps prevent energy loss. With better insulation, your building can easily maintain indoor temperatures and reduce the need for heating and cooling.

Upgrading to double-glazing or energy-efficient models for doors and windows will also help minimise heat loss in winter and keep interiors cooler in summer.

Improve HVAC Systems

If your current building has old HVAC systems installed, you can replace them with newer, more energy-efficient models, significantly lowering energy consumption.

With newer HVAC systems, you can also install smart thermostats and controls. This will give you better control over heating and cooling and minimise energy use during off-hours.

And lastly, consider installing energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). ERVs can improve indoor air quality while recycling heat from exhaust air, saving on heating costs.

Upgrade Lighting to LED

Replacing standard lighting with LED bulbs throughout the property is one of the simplest and most cost-effective upgrades.

LEDs consume up to 80% less energy and have a much longer lifespan.

Water Efficiency Upgrades

Efficient plumbing fixtures, like low-flow faucets and toilets, conserve water and reduce the energy required for water heating, a win-win situation.

Invest in Renewable Energy Sources

Installing solar panels can quickly offset the need to use power from South Africa’s grid, which, as we mentioned, is powered by coal.

Also, generating electricity on-site significantly reduces reliance on the grid and lowers carbon emissions.

But who can assist you with installing a solar system to power a commercial building with a total net floor space of 2,000 square meters and more?

Contact Rentech

We provide expert advice to assist customers in choosing the best product solutions appropriate for specific applications and requirements.

Rentech manufactures, imports, and supplies industrial batteries and equipment that are purpose-fit for various applications.

If you want to implement a solar solution for your building to improve its EPC rating, contact us today.