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RMS House, 53 de Havilland Crescent, Persequor Technopark, Pretoria, 0020

Understanding
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

Some people might consider an Energy Performance Certificate as a grudge compliance measure and expense that could not come at a worse time. RMS Sustainability Services view EPCs entirely differently. It is a decision-making tool that can guide property owners toward smarter investments in energy-saving projects.

An EPC opens a world of insight into how much energy your building is using. With utility bills becoming a major chunk of operating costs, it’s time to turn the tables. Reducing energy consumption directly slashes those pesky bills, and EPCs are here to spotlight where the biggest savings await. So, why not let your funds work harder and smarter by channelling them into the areas with the most potential for savings?

How do I get an
Energy Performance Certificate?

RMS is dedicated to staying ahead of regulatory changes and ensuring full compliance in the energy performance sector. With the updated mandate requiring EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) to be issued by a SANAS accredited body until July 31, 2024, and thereafter by Registered EPC Professionals, RMS has strategically positioned itself to meet these regulations. Our team of Registered EPC Professionals are fully equipped to develop certificates in accordance with the South African National Standard SANS 1544:2014. This commitment underscores our pledge to deliver top-tier energy performance certification services, guaranteeing our clients both regulatory compliance and exceptional quality.

The steps involved include:

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1
Appoint a service provider with a Registered EPC Professional

Confirm building registration

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2
Gather the Data

Consumption, Floor Plans and Occupancy

3
Process the Data

Exclusions, Vacancies and Mixed Occupancy

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4
Validate the Results

Validate Information and Check Calculations

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5
Issue the Certificate

By a registered EPC Professional

6
Display the Certificate

In Building, Visible to Public, 5 years

7
Submit certified EPC to NBEPR

National Building Energy Performance Register

What else do you need to know about
Energy Performance Certification

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ISSUE AN EPC?

Issuing an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) involves several steps, and gathering the necessary data is often the most time-consuming part of the process.

 

To calculate a building’s rating, a Registered EPC Professional needs at least the following information for the 12-month assessment period:

 

Consumption Data: Details of all energy sources used in the building, including council (or Eskom) bills and invoices for other energy sources like diesel, gas, and coal. Whenever possible, using measured data is highly recommended.

 

Building Plans: Approved building plans or architectural drawings that provide the information needed to determine the building’s net floor area.

 

Occupancy Information: Data showing the percentage occupancy of the building each month and by occupancy type.

 

Once we have all the necessary information, we aim to issue the EPC within 10 business days. Part of this process includes validating the information provided by the property owner. This validation involves a physical assessment of the building through a site walk-through audit.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NON-CERTIFICATION?

Under the National Energy Act of 1998 (Act 34 of 2008), the Minister of Energy has set regulations for the mandatory display and submission of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for buildings. According to these regulations, failing to publicly display your EPC is considered an offence.

 

The National Energy Act specifies that non-compliance can result in serious penalties, including:

 

Fines: Up to five million rand.

 

Imprisonment: Up to five years.

 

Both: A combination of fine and imprisonment.

 

While the enforcement of these penalties is ultimately up to legal interpretation and decisions by property owners, the regulations and the Act are clear about the potential consequences for non-compliance. It’s essential to adhere to these requirements to avoid any legal issues.

EPCs ROLL-OUT

In 2021, RMS kicked off an EPC briefing campaign to boost awareness and offer valuable information to property owners.

 

Thanks to recent amendments, the deadline for the mandatory display of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for qualifying buildings has been extended to December 7, 2025. However, even with this extension, property owners are still required to register their building’s type, size, and energy performance in the National Building Performance Register (NBEPR) by August 3, 2024.

 

For more information, feel free to contact us!

Who can I contact to find out more?
GET IN TOUCH TO LEARN MORE

If you’re interested in learning more about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) or would like to use our services, please fill out the form below. Provide the necessary details about your certification needs so we can assist you effectively. Remember, an EPC is issued per building, not per property.

For each building, please provide:

  • Property Owner: Who owns the property?
  • Property (Campus) and Building Name: For example, New Office Park Block A.
  • Number of Floors: Excluding basements.
  • Number of Basement Floors.
  • Building Type: Is it a standalone building or part of a campus?
  • Occupancy Type: Is it an office, a retail building, a place of instruction, etc.?
  • Office Layout: Does the building have mostly open-plan areas or mostly closed offices (if applicable)?
  • Building Floor Area (GLA): In square meters.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE JULY 31, 2024, DEADLINE FOR EPCs

    The July 31, 2024, deadline marked the regulatory transition, during which EPCs were issued by a SANAS-accredited body until this date. Afterward, only Registered EPC Professionals are authorised to issue EPCs. RMS is well-prepared for this change, ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the highest quality and compliance standards in our EPC certification services.

    WHAT STEPS IS RMS TAKING TO ENSURE A SEAMLESS TRANSITION FOR CLIENTS DURING THE REGULATORY CHANGE?

    RMS is committed to providing uninterrupted and high-quality service throughout the regulatory transition. We are proactively updating our processes and training our EPC inspectors to register as professionals with SANEDI. Additionally, our in-house Quality Assurer is closely monitoring the transition to ensure all certifications remain compliant and accurate. By staying ahead of these changes, we ensure our clients experience a smooth and efficient transition.

    HOW WILL RMS HANDLE THE TRANSITION FROM SANAS-ACCREDITED BODIES TO REGISTERED PROFESSIONALS FOR EPC ISSUANCE?

    Remote Metering Solutions (Pty) Ltd (EPC0009), voluntary withdrawal from the SANAS accreditation full scope as of the 1st of August 2024 to confirm our commitment with the changes in regulation. As part of RMS’s commitment to ensuring our clients remain compliant and receive ongoing support with their certification needs, we have successfully registered one EPC Professional and will have two additional EPC Professionals registered with SANEDI by the end of August 2024.

    HOW CAN CLIENTS VERIFY THE CREDENTIALS OF RMS'S EPC INSPECTORS?

    Clients can verify the credentials of RMS’s EPC inspectors by requesting their certification details and professional registration status or by viewing a copy of their status under Document Tab. Our inspectors are registered with SANEDI, and meet the requirements of South African National Standard SANS 1544:2014 to issue EPCs.