Industry organisation the South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa) has welcomed the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy's (DMRE’s) granting of a three-year extension on the mandatory display of energy performance certificates (EPCs).
The regulations form part of the goals set out in the post-2015 National Energy Efficiency Strategy, which aims to get owners to reduce the energy consumption of their buildings by 16% by 2030 and make them aware of the consumption levels of their buildings.
"We have noted with appreciation that the Minister has signed an amendment to the applicable regulations to extend the deadline to publicly display EPCs from December 7 for a period of three years to December 7, 2025. This means that all property owners now have a further three years to comply with the regulations."
Sapoa once again reiterates its call on the property industry to continue supporting various climate change initiatives and to continue with projects that reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in support of government’s obligations to comply with United Nations Conference of the Parties 26 commitments.
Further, other proposed amendments to the regulations were published, with public comment thereon due by December 25.
"Our team will study these proposed amendments and ensure that Sapoa’s comment is provided timeously, and we will continue to work with the DMRE, as well as on efforts to establish the proposed joint technical committee to deal with other technical matters raised by our members," the organisation said.