In a new milestone of government’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre has received its EPC with a highly commend ...
ing of B, where A is the highest achievable rating and G the worst possible rating for buildings in South Africa. “The facility is comprehensive, with the main building in the region of 14,500 m2. The energy requirements must be vast, so their rating is to be applauded,” comments Barry Bredenkamp, General Manager Energy Efficiency & Corporate Communications at the South African National Energy Development Institute, (SANEDI).
In alignment with the new regulations gazetted in December 2020, buildings in South Africa need to have their energy performance assessed by an accredited party, who will then issue an EPC which rates the building from A – G for energy efficiency. “To be compliant, the EPC must be displayed at the building entrance, and at least a D-rating must be achieved, to comply with the national Building Regulations,” explains Bredenkamp. The regulations apply to non-residential buildings with a net floor area of at least 2,000 m2 in the private sector (schools, malls, theatres, etc.), and 1,000 m2 for government buildings. For the purposes of the EPC, a building’s energy performance is measured in terms of kilowatt hours per square metre per annum (kWh/m2/a) of net floor area in accordance with the National EPC Standard (SANS 1544:2014).
Once issued, an EPC must be renewed every five years, giving building owners the opportunity to improve their energy performance. Property owners and public facilities have until 7 December 2022 to ensure that they are compliant. As an agency for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, SANEDI has been tasked with supporting the implementation of the regulations.
“SANEDI wants to help ensure compliance with the new regulations, so that building owners are not unnecessarily penalised. We are glad to see a prominent landmark such as the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit making EPC compliance a priority, and we hope to see many other buildings follow suit,” says Bredenkamp. He says that this will be good for the wider value chain, where economic activity will be stimulated, as building owners look at implementing more energy efficient systems and technologies.
Bluedust Engineering Solutions facilitated the EPC process on behalf of the owners of Kyalami. Dr. Janco Vermeulen and Dr. Frank Duvenhage, both experts in the energy field, ensured that the required data is collected and packaged correctly for the EPC process to be executed with minimal complications. “After having facilitated the first-ever EPC in South Africa, and also being allocated an entire building portfolio of 60 buildings for Stellenbosch University, we are happy to have been part of the drive to make Kyalami the first in its class to receive an EPC in South Africa,” said Dr. Duvenhage. Dr. Vermeulen added, “Kyalami is an iconic race track and venue, both locally and globally, and it is motivating to see such leaders in their industry to be early adopters of mandatory energy efficiency regulations.”
The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre hosts many large international functions and events, both indoors and out. Along with the main building, it has three adjacent bomas used for private functions and the management offices. The property also features a large (approximately 1,000 m2) workshop used for maintenance and tuning of Porsche, Bentley and Lamborghini sports cars , which is off-limits to the public. To ensure uninterrupted service during load shedding, the centre has a large 800 kVA generator that services the main building.
JP Spangenberg, from Energy Management and Validation Services (EMVS), the SANAS accredited inspection body responsible for issuing the EPCs said, “EPCs have the potential to stimulate job creation with in excess of 100,000 buildings requiring assessments within the next 18 months. It was a pleasure working with the newly established EPC division of BlueDust Engineering Solutions, who facilitated the process for Kyalami.”
Toby Venter, CEO for the O T Venter Group of Companies, owners of the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre, concluded by saying; “We strive to always exceed expectations; environmental requirements are no different. We are proud to be the first conference and exhibition venue in South Africa to be awarded this energy efficiency grading certification”.
ENDS
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About SANEDI
The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), established by the Government, directs, monitors and conducts applied energy research to develop innovative, integrated solutions to catalyse growth and prosperity in the green economy. It drives scientific evidence-driven ventures that contribute to youth empowerment, gender equity, environmental sustainability and the 4th Industrial Revolution, within the National Development Plan (NDP), through consultative, sustainable energy projects. For more information, go to www.sanedi.org.za.