New buildings to comply with new energy efficiency regulations
Tuesday, 15th June 2010Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies recently published a regulation for the environmental sustainability of buildings, which is a sub-regulation to the National Building Regulation and Building Standards Act. This regulation requires that all buildings must be fitted with renewable energy water heating systems, such as solar water heating systems. These systems however must comply with South African national standards. The layout drawings of new buildings must show the location and capacity of water heating installations and details of the required insulation. The new regulation affects the construction of all new residential and commercial buildings and also stipulates that different elements of of buildings, such as roofs, ceilings, walls and windows would have to meet the minimum requirements for preventing loss of heat in winter or heat gain in summer.
The department of energy has started with the roll out of solar water heaters. Interested parties are invited to submit comments and input into these amendments which were published in the regulations section of Government Gazette No 33265.
It is hoped that these regulations would realize significant energy savings, thereby relieving the pressure on the energy grid. Solar water heating systems is reported to save 30% to 50% of a home owners electricity bill. There are approximately 7 companies that have been awarded Eskom accreditation, on the solar water heating rebate programme with SABS mark, while a further 20 are in various test phases to receive accredition. For furtehr information visit ww.solarheating.co.za.
Previous page
