NET ZERO BUILDINGS
A net zero carbon building is a highly energy-efficient building, with the remaining energy requirements generated from renewable energy, preferably on-site, but it can be off-site if necessary. There should be zero net carbon emissions on a yearly basis. Four of South Africa’s major metros are implementing policies that require all new buildings to be net zero carbon from 2030. Net zero carbon buildings can result in quality housing, local economic development and establishing conditions for grid-interactive buildings of the future.
Net Zero Buildings

A net zero carbon building is a highly energy-efficient building, with the remaining energy requirements generated from renewable energy, preferably on-site, but it can be off-site if necessary. There should be zero net carbon emissions on a yearly basis. Four of South Africa’s major metros are implementing policies that require all new buildings to be net zero carbon from 2030. Net zero carbon buildings can result in quality housing, local economic development and establishing conditions for grid-interactive buildings of the future.
Click here to visit the Smart Buildings web hub a resource portal to guide the development of smarter and greener buildings in cities.
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Leveraging National Job Creation Programmes: EPWP for EPCs
Case study of how City of Johannesburg was able to utilise the Extended Public Works Programme to undertake data collection needed for Energy Performance Certificates.
2MBDownloadNet Zero Carbon and Green Buildings Implementation and Monitoring in the City of Joburg
This case study examines the City of Johannesburg’s implementation of its Net Zero Carbon (NZC) and Green Building Policy, focusing on energy efficiency monitoring and policy adoption.
769 KBDownloadAmended Regulations for Energy Performance Certificates
The DMRE has gazetted changes to regulations that make it easier for owners to acquire EPCs. The updated regulations allow EPCs to be obtained by registered professionals – instead of
2 MBDownloadAmended Regulations for Energy Performance Certificates
The DMRE has gazetted changes to regulations that make it easier for owners to acquire EPCs. The updated regulations allow EPCs to be obtained by registered professionals – instead of
709KBDownloadTerms of Reference for Public Institutions to acquire EPCs
The DMRE has developed a template Terms of Reference to assist public institutions with acquiring a SANAS accredited service provider to obtain energy performance certificates
65KBDownloadAmended Regulations for Energy Performance Certificates
The DMRE has extended the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) deadline to 7 December 2025. The amended regulations apply to both public and private buildings. The extension allows buildings owners more
121KBDownloadSANEDI Energy Performance Certificate Guideline
SANEDI has developed a quick reference EPC guide to assist municipal accounting officers and private sector building owners to navigate the EPC space. The informative guide provides steps to attain
6 MBDownloadA System Cost Analysis of Embedded Generation vs Utility-Scale Solar PV
South Africa’s latest integrated resource plan describes a rapid solar photovoltaic (PV) build programme, with 7 gigawatts of new capacity being built by 2030. Virtually all of this capacity will
0.3MBDownloadThe South Africa Buildings Programme
This document shares knowledge on the South African Buildings Programme.
6MBDownload