South Africa Energy Performance Certificate compliance

With the 7 December 2025 Energy Performance Certificate deadline approaching, qualifying South African building owners should act now to avoid penalties and delays.

In brief:

• From 7 December 2025, certain public and private buildings must display an EPC issued by a registered professional under SANS 1544. 
• Fewer than 10% of eligible buildings are certified; delays risk assessor bottlenecks, higher costs and penalties up to R5m or five years’ imprisonment. 
• Compliance can reveal low-cost efficiency upgrades and, for large users, potential Section 12L tax allowances to monetise verified energy savings.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) deadline looms and time is running out for South African building owners

EPCs have been part of the regulations since late 2020, but until now, they have largely sat in the background. That is about to change. 

By 7 December 2025, some public and private buildings in South Africa will need to display a valid EPC visible to the public. With less than four months to go, the clock is ticking. Waiting until the last stretch could cost more than many owners expect.

An EPC is a simple idea with a big impact: it tells you how energy-efficient a building is, grading it from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) based on how much energy it uses for its size. The grading follows the South African National Standard (SANS 1544:2014) and can only be issued by a registered professional.

Who needs to comply

The requirement applies to:

• Government buildings with a total net floor area greater than 1 000 m².

• Privately owned buildings with a total net floor area greater than 2 000 m².

• Buildings with the following occupancy classification: Entertainment and public assembly venues (A1), theatrical and indoor sports facilities (A2), places of instruction (A3), and offices (G1).

• Buildings that have not had major renovations in the past two years.

Why now matters

Fewer than 10% of eligible buildings are certified. That means thousands of owners must still go through the process before the deadline. The closer it gets, the harder it will be to book an accredited assessor, and costs may rise.

The penalties for missing the deadline are severe: fines of up to R5m, up to five years in prison, or both. And beyond the law, failing to act can damage trust with tenants, investors, and other stakeholders.

The hidden opportunity

EPCs are not just a legal obligation. The assessment often uncovers easy, affordable ways to use less energy, changes that can cut operating costs, improve a building’s value, and support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

A strong energy rating can make a real difference because energy-efficient buildings are cheaper to run, more attractive to tenants and investors, and better aligned with today’s sustainability-focused market. For owners with multiple sites, a coordinated certification approach can unlock savings and efficiencies across the portfolio.

Linking compliance to further savings

For larger energy users, the EPC process may reveal efficiency improvements that also qualify for the Section 12L Tax Incentive. This programme grants a tax allowance for verified energy savings, assessed by a SANAS-accredited inspection body, such as EY.

For organisations with an annual energy bill of R25m or more (common in mining, manufacturing, and large commercial operations), the incentive can help turn efficiency gains into direct financial benefits. EY has processed more than 80 applications with a 100% success rate, converting energy savings into tax allowances across multiple sectors.

How to get started

The process begins with gathering energy bills, meter readings, and building plans. Then, a registered EPC professional from an accredited body can assess the property and issue the certificate. Acting now means more control over timing and less deadline pressure. 

Summary

This deadline is part of a broader change in how the property sector measures value. It is no longer just about location or square metres. Today, efficiency and resilience matter just as much.

For building owners, this is a chance to lead rather than scramble. Start now, and EPC compliance can be the first step toward a more competitive, efficient, and valuable property, not just a box to tick.