Energy Performance Certificate — Explained
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a formal document that rates the energy efficiency of a building on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It reflects the amount of energy a building consumes per square metre annually and compares it to national benchmarks for similar building types.
EPCs provide a standardized way to measure and compare building energy performance. They help property owners understand their building's energy consumption patterns and identify opportunities for improvement. The certificate includes detailed information about energy usage, carbon emissions, and recommendations for enhancing efficiency.
You must get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) if your building meets these conditions:
If your building meets all of the above, you are required by law to obtain and register an EPC with the National Building Energy Performance Register (NBEPR).
If your building doesn't yet qualify, it's still recommended to familiarise yourself with EPC requirements — they will expand in scope over time.
Required under the National Energy Act and SANS building standards
Fines up to R5 million for non-compliance
Imprisonment up to 5 years and reputational damage
Important: The data must be reviewed and certified by a SANAS-accredited inspection body, which will issue the formal EPC and submit it to the National Building Energy Performance Register.
EPCs aren't just about ticking a compliance box — they are a gateway to real energy and cost savings, as well as long-term sustainability.
Benchmark your energy performance across your property portfolio
Identify inefficiencies in lighting, HVAC, or building operation
Prioritise energy retrofits that deliver measurable ROI
Lower your operational carbon footprint and contribute to national emissions targets
Improve tenant comfort and building marketability
Secure green financing and enhance asset value
Over time, building owners with EPCs will be better positioned to secure green financing, enhance asset value and resale potential, align with ESG reporting requirements, and avoid penalties while staying ahead of future regulations. According to the guidelines, EPCs will eventually play a role in national decarbonisation and energy planning — by giving government and industry insight into the real-world energy performance of building stock.
Even if your building isn't legally required to get an EPC, starting early helps you assess your building's energy use, plan upgrades over time, and avoid last-minute data scrambling.