Do you need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

A building’s EPC indicates its energy performance against similar buildings. Performance is expressed as an A-rating (very good), B-rating, C-rating, etc., right through to a G-rating (very bad).  To be compliant, your building must receive at least a D-rating.

The regulations allow building owners to register their buildings on the SANEDI database by August 2024 and to become compliant by displaying EPC certificates by December 2025. It may sound as if there is enough time. But the problem is that certificates can only be issued by a South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) accredited inspection body after verification of energy data and building plans, as well as a site inspection. Time is therefore limited.

Note that EPCs are currently only required for buildings with the following primary occupancy (occupancy accounts for more than 90% of the net floor area):

  • Offices & consulting rooms (G1-Offices)
  • Restaurants & entertainment facilities (A1-Entertainment and public assembly)
  • Theatres and indoor sport venues (A2-Theatrical and indoor sport)
  • Places of instruction, tuition or learning (A3-Places of instruction)

Smaller buildings are currently excluded.  However, buildings with the following sizes must comply:

  • Government buildings with a total net floor area of more than 1,000 m2
  • Private buildings with a total net floor area of more than 2,000 m2

Net floor area is the sum of all areas between walls or partitions, excluding garages, car parks and storage. The building must also be in use for more than two years, without a major renovation in the previous two years.  Major renovations are changes that require approval from the relevant local authority.

A1: Entertainment & public
assembly

Buildings where people gather to eat, drink, dance or participate in other recreation.

A2: Theatrical and indoor sport

Buildings used for viewing theatrical, operatic, orchestral, choral, cinematographical or sports performances.

A3: Places of instruction

Buildings, such as training facilities, primary or secondary schools, where students assemble for tuition.

G1: Offices

Large office buildings, banks, consulting rooms etc. These buildings may be multi-storeys with lifts and services that operate on a typical daytime occupancy.  It also includes a campus of buildings forming an office park, but where each building operates separately.