Following our 2024 report, the 7th December 2025 deadline for owners of private buildings (and accounting officers of public buildings) used for commercial purposes to comply with energy performance certification, is quickly approaching.
According to the Regulations promulgated under the National Energy Act, it is mandatory for all registered owners of commercial buildings – and the accounting officers of buildings owned, operated, or occupied by an organ of state – to publicly display an energy performance certificate (‘EPC’) at the entrance to these buildings.
An EPC, which is issued by an accredited body in accordance with specified certification requirements, demonstrates how much energy is used to power a building. To obtain this certificate, all forms of energy usage, including electricity generated by the national grid, gas, back-up generators, or solar panels, are assessed to determine a building’s energy performance.
For clarity, the deadlines apply to privately-owned buildings with a net floor area of more than 2 000 square metres, which are used for commercial purposes, including offices, places of public assembly, or entertainment, and have not undergone ‘major renovation’ in the last two years. Additionally, the Regulations outlining EPC compliance extend to public buildings used for commercial purposes – provided the net floor area exceeds 1 000 square metres and the buildings have not undergone any major renovation in the preceding two years.
According to a recent government press release, just over 7 100 public and privately-owned buildings had been formally registered, with nearly 3 900 EPCs issued, as of 21st July 2025.
Although certification may appear to be an additional expense for property owners, sustainability experts find that improving a property’s EPC rating has significant financial and reputational benefits. For instance, EPC compliance reduces energy costs, minimses maintenance-related expenses, and protects the owner from increased fees and changing regulatory requirements. Crucially, the implementation of energy-efficient measures, such as LED lighting, enhanced insulation, and solar panels, typically increases the property’s marketability and re-sale value. It also stimulates the shift towards sustainable building practices.
Ultimately, non-compliance is an offence and may result in the imposition of a maximum fine of R5 million, five years’ imprisonment, or both. It is therefore prudent for all qualifying commercial building owners to adhere to the deadline to avoid penalties and reputational risk.
In need of sound legal guidance? Contact our expansive team of property law attorneys at info@stbb.co.za/dev2 today.
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