SA Pushes for EPC Compliance as Over 7,000 Buildings Register Before Deadline

The push forms part of a broader national effort to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and save on long-term energy costs.

With just five months left until the 7 December 2025 deadline, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, has renewed calls for public and private building owners to urgently register for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The push forms part of a broader national effort to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and save on long-term energy costs.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a regulatory document that reflects a building's energy efficiency based on its operational energy consumption. The building is rated on a performance scale from A to G, where:

• A indicates the most energy-efficient buildings

• G represents the least energy-efficient structures

The EPC is designed to help building owners understand their energy usage patterns and identify opportunities to adopt cost-saving and environmentally friendly measures. EPCs must be issued by accredited inspection bodies, using reliable consumption data to determine a building’s rating.

Progress to Date: Over 7,000 Buildings Registered

As of 21 July 2025, a total of 7,113 buildings have registered for the EPC program, with 3,884 certificates already issued. Although this marks progress since the program’s official launch in December 2020, it is still far from the government’s target of 60,000 building registrations.

Deputy Minister Graham-Maré emphasized the urgency of meeting this target, stating:

“With only five months left before registrations close, large building owners need to prioritise this. I am working with the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Mcpherson, and will also be working with Premiers and Mayors to ensure that this issue gets immediate attention.”

Why EPCs Matter: Climate, Costs, and Compliance

EPCs are more than just compliance tools—they are a cornerstone of South Africa’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a critical national obligation under global climate accords such as the Paris Agreement.

By encouraging transparency in energy use, EPCs empower building owners to:

• Benchmark their buildings’ performance

• Identify and implement energy-saving interventions

• Lower utility bills

• Contribute to South Africa’s carbon reduction commitments

Additionally, EPCs are expected to become essential indicators in real estate valuation and green finance—with energy-efficient buildings attracting higher rental returns, occupancy rates, and green funding opportunities.

Practical Energy-Saving Measures Encouraged

Graham-Maré called on all building owners—especially those in the commercial, educational, and public sectors—to adopt energy-efficient technologies and practices. Recommended interventions include:

• Installing LED lighting systems

• Upgrading to smart geysers and water-saving fixtures

• Implementing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels

• Automating energy control systems to reduce unnecessary usage

• Turning off appliances and lighting when not in use

“We need to be creative and innovative so that we save on energy,” she said. “I encourage anyone to engage my department about the programme and how they can implement this initiative.”

Regulatory Framework and Future Enforcement

The EPC initiative is being implemented by the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) in partnership with the South African National Energy Development Institute (Sanedi). While participation is currently focused on compliance encouragement, the DEE has not ruled out enforcement mechanisms post-deadline, especially for non-compliant public buildings and large commercial properties.

EPCs currently apply to:

• Non-residential buildings with a net floor area of more than 2,000 m² in the public sector

• Private sector buildings with a net floor area of more than 1,000 m²

The department has signaled that further legislative and compliance guidance will follow in 2026, once the initial phase concludes and the energy performance database is established.

Broader National Vision: Green Growth and Economic Inclusion

The EPC drive aligns with South Africa’s broader energy transition goals, including:

• Reducing dependency on fossil fuels

• Improving national grid resilience

• Driving green job creation

• Boosting energy security and self-reliance

Crucially, the initiative is seen as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, by unlocking local manufacturing, professional services, and energy auditing markets that cater to the growing demand for sustainable building solutions.

“There is an opportunity for all South Africans to play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions and benefit from the programme,” said Graham-Maré.

Looking Ahead: Deadline Looms

With the 7 December 2025 deadline fast approaching, the DEE is ramping up awareness campaigns and partnering with municipalities to ensure widespread understanding and adoption of EPCs.

The Deputy Minister concluded with an appeal to the private sector:

“This is not just about compliance. It’s about being responsible stewards of our energy future.”