Stellenbosch University’s Admin B Block was the first building to receive an EPC rating and achieved an A Grade.
to upgrade and modernise building services to achieve upgraded EPCs and associated cost reductions.
TOWARDS NET ZERO
Solid Green Consulting
Goals for Net Zero Carbon by 2050 (or any other date, for that matter) are difficult challenges, and targets are irrelevant without clear plans of action of how to achieve them. This is where ambitious programmes like the EPC rollout in South Africa are essential. While it may currently seem like a maze of acronyms and slow-moving processes, it is a huge step in the right direction in terms of South Africa’s part in the global fight to slow global warming. At this stage, there are no required actions for underperforming buildings as the exercise is currently a data gathering process. Once the actual impact of South Africa’s existing building stock on our carbon targets is established, then plans can be introduced to improve energy efficiency. There are other benefits for building owners to
GBCSA
Stefan Els
ENERGY
Karl Bremer in Belville, which is owned by the Western Cape Provincial Government and is one of the 30 buildings being supported by the UK Pact project.
knowing, and improving on, their efficiency. Jonathan Booth, project lead at the Carbon Trust explains that “while climate change is the fundamental driver, there are strong commercial arguments for embarking on a net zero journey; for instance, rising energy costs and advancing technologies continuously strengthen the economic case for many of the most effective interventions such as upgrading HVAC systems and managing plug loads”. In the same way that a consumer might consider the EPC on an appliance, or the fuel efficiency of a car, before making a large purchase, prospective property buyers or tenants will now have a clear indication of what their energy usage and costs might be. This will likely create a higher demand for buildings with an above average performance rating.
MESSAGE FROM SANEDI
Although the initial uptake for EPCs for certain classes of buildings in South Africa was relatively slow, we have experienced a sudden increase in activity, as the current deadline for compliance of 7 December 2022 is fast approaching! This has come with a corresponding positive impact for job creation prospects (targeting, but not exclusively for women and youth), as can be seen by the numbers of delegates registering for EPCtraining with the various institutions offering this training and the number of jobs advertised by not only SANAS-accredited inspection bodies, but also for facility managers with an understanding of the EPC Regulations. These numbers still need to be quantified, but it is definitely on an upward trajectory. On the potential impacts for a net-zero carbon future, it is common cause globally that buildings have a major role to play in this effort to reduce the negative impacts of climate change. EPCs themselves, will not reduce energy consumption or carbon emissions, but will make a significant impact on visualising how far individual buildings are in achieving this aim and also quantifying the quantum of energy efficiency savings required to reach an A-rating, with reduced carbon emissions.
Upper Grayston Office Park blocks achieved 5- and 6-Star Green Star ratings when they were completed. Block E has now scored a B rating on its EPC.
40
POSITIVE IMPACT ISSUE 18
