EPC COMPLIANCE

Property owners and inspection bodies have been given much needed breathing room thanks to an extension of the deadline for energy performance certificates (EPCs) for buildings. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy announced the three-year extension to 7 December 2025 on 25 November last year.

The difference between the current Green Star energy performance rating system from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) and EPCs is that the former is voluntary while the latter will become mandatory, explains Martin Smith, design director and expertise leader: Building Services at Zutari. In terms of the regulations, EPCs will need to be in place for public and private buildings over 1 000 m2 and 2 000 m2, respectively.

Zutari is a well-established market leader in this niche sector and has already certified over a hundred Green Star projects in accordance with GBCSA’s criteria. One of the most notable is a 6 Star Green Star rating for Growthpoint Properties’ flagship Exxaro head office development in Centurion. This was also the first building in South Africa to achieve WELL certification by the International WELL Building Institute.

Real-time tracking

To hone its market offering going forward, Zutari has partnered with 4Sight, a leader in digital transformation, to implement a sustainable data strategy. Among other things, this will enable near real-time tracking of building performance.

The combination of 4Sight’s domain expertise in digital transformation and Zutari’s scientific and engineering knowledge creates a unique value proposition to help customers maximise the value of their assets, particularly in terms of optimising energy and water use – ultimately reducing their carbon footprints. For applicable building categories, this will also aid in EPC compliance.