SAPOA Engages DEE, SANEDI Amid Rising Concerns Over EPC Compliance

With the 7 December 2025 deadline looming for privately owned office buildings to display their Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) has once again taken action to support its members facing challenges in complying with the regulation.

In April 2025, SAPOA engaged both the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE) and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), which oversees the EPC process, to highlight persistent issues encountered by property owners and industry professionals.

Among the chief concerns raised were the technical limitations of the EPC portal. Members reported that once property details are submitted, making corrections—such as amending an address or owner name—is extremely difficult. In addition, the portal lacks sufficient feedback mechanisms for resolving queries.

Another major hurdle is the registration of EPC professionals. According to members, the current process does not adequately recognize relevant experience, making it difficult for skilled individuals to gain accreditation. Measurement requirements have also proven problematic. While the industry traditionally uses Gross Lettable Area (GLA), EPC regulations mandate the use of Nett Floor Area (NFA), forcing costly and time-consuming re-measurements in line with SANS1544 standards.

Additional ambiguities persist. Questions remain about how to classify interconnected buildings—such as those joined by bridges or shared basements—and how to assess properties with mixed uses and no sub-metering. There is also confusion surrounding NFA calculations for cinemas and whether common foyer areas should be included.

A further complication lies in office spaces used by medical specialists. These premises, while technically offices, often house high-energy equipment, creating uncertainty about whether and how EPC requirements apply.