EPC Improvements for Commercial Buildings (EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) compliance 2026)

Since 2023, commercial property in South Africa cannot be let with an EPC below E. From 2027 the minimum becomes C, and from 2030 it becomes B. Owners holding F or G assets face significant remediation now.

The EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) compliance timeline

• April 2018: New leases of commercial property must be Energy Performance Certificate D or above
• April 2023: All existing leases must comply
• April 2027 (proposed): Minimum Energy Performance Certificate B
• April 2030 (proposed): Minimum Energy Performance Certificate A

Penalties

• Fines up to R3,000,000 per breach
• Publication on public register
• Inability to grant or extend leases

Common EPC improvement levers

Cheap quick wins

• LED lighting throughout (typically saves 5–10 EPC points)
• Building Management System (BMS) optimisation
• Improved heating controls (zoning, timing, weather compensation)
• Lagging hot water pipework

Medium investments

• Roof insulation upgrade
• Replace single glazing with double or triple
• Variable speed drives on pumps and fans
• Heat recovery on ventilation

Major works

• Replace gas boilers with heat pumps
• External wall insulation
• Solar PV with battery
• Full building re-cladding to modern thermal standards

Indicative costs and EPC uplift

• LED retrofit: R160–R500 per m², lifts 5–12 points
• BMS upgrade: R300–R800 per m², lifts 4–10 points
• Heat pump replacing gas boiler: R3,000–R8,000 per m², lifts 10–25 points
• External wall insulation: R2,000–R5,000 per m² of wall, lifts 8–20 points
• Solar PV (commercial): R11,000–R16,000 per kWp, lifts varies

Process

1. Commission new EPC and recommendations report
2. Whole-building energy audit (often deeper than EPC)
3. Value-engineering options against EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) compliance targets and ESG strategy
4. Implementation, often phased to match lease events
5. Re-test and certify

Exemptions

Limited exemptions exist for cases where compliance is technically impossible or where third-party consent is unreasonably withheld. Exemption application required.

MCFAR coordinates EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) compliance improvement strategies for commercial landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions