Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

What is an Energy Performance Certificate or EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates of how energy efficient a building is. It is rated on a scale. The scale looks at the amount of energy used per square meter (p/m2) of the building. It ranges from A to G. A, being the lowest energy consumption and G being the highest energy consumption p/m2. The certificates will have to be on public display and are valid for 5 years.

The EPC covers all sources of energy used, non-renewable (grid power) and renewable (solar power). This includes any forms of power used during loadshedding. Buildings that have a mix of both renewable and non-renewable sources of energy, have ‘energy mix’ on their certificate. The goal is to have the most energy efficient buildings using the least amount of electricity.

What is Energy Efficiency?

Energy efficiency is the use of less energy to perform the same task. In a building, energy efficiency looks at how to use less energy to cool, heat, light up, and run appliances.

What is Energy Performance?

Energy Performance is the net energy consumed kilowatt hours (kWh) per square meter of an area, per year. The formula being (kWh/m2/a). This is to measure the electrical needs of the buildings; this includes lights and heating or cooling. Car parks, storage areas, and various outdoor services will not be included in getting an energy performance certificate.

 What is the timeframe to obtain an EPC?

The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy revised the Energy Performance Certificate regulation. He has extended the cut-off date from December 2022 to the 7th of December 2025. By that time all buildings must have an EPC in public display. This is in conjunction with the National Energy Act 2008.

How RoofWhirlys4Africa can help.

Our Roof Mounted Wind Turbine Ventilators (Whirly Birds) help to reduce the electricity needed to cool and light buildings. Our whirly vents remove hot air, reducing the cooling requirements from electrical cooling from fans and air conditioners. See how the ventilation for RoofWhirlys4Africa’s public, commercial, and domestic buildings can help.