Compulsory Energy Efficiency in Buildings

The Minister of Trade and Industry announced his intention to introduce a sub-regulation for the `Energy Efficiency of Buildings` in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act of 1977.

The proposed new regulations are intended to apply to all new ‘residential and commercial buildings, places of learning and worship, certain medical clinics and other categories of buildings`. In terms of the proposed regulation, it will be compulsory for all new buildings to be designed and constructed to a standard that will make it possible for the user to minimise the energy required to meet functional requirements.

Elements of the building such as roofs, ceilings, walls, windows will have to meet requirements for the prevention of heat loss in winter, or heat gain in summer, and to meet energy efficient targets. Buildings will also have to have to be oriented appropriately on a site, and have the necessary shading devices to prevent unnecessary solar heat gain.

Buildings will have to be fitted with renewable energy water heating mechanisms, such as solar water heating systems. Solar water systems will also have to comply with South African National Standards (SANS).

The proposed regulation will also require that heaters, air-conditioners and mechanical ventilation systems be energy efficient.

The Master Builders Association of Kwa-Zulu Natal has been appointed to project manage the generation of certain Unit Standards and training material which will help capacities the building industry to build according to the new standards and regulations.
 
The proposals are contained in a Schedule to amend the National Building Regulations. Members of the public and interested parties are invited to comment on the proposals on or before 11 August 2010.

Written comments may be forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer, National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, Private Bag X25, Brooklyn, 0075.

Brandon Abdinor | Executive Director