The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre has received its energy performance certificate (EPC) with a rating of B, says South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) energy efficiency and corporate communications GM Barry Bredenkamp.

“The facility is comprehensive, with the main building about 14 500 m² in size. The energy requirements are significant, and the rating is to be applauded.”

Energy performance regulations apply to nonresidential buildings with a net floor area of at least 2 000 m² in the private sector, such as schools, malls and theatres, and 1 000 m² for government buildings.

For an EPC, a building’s energy performance is measured in terms of kilowatt-hours per square metre a year of net floor area in accordance with the National EPC Standard SANS 1544:2014.

New regulations gazetted in December 2020 require buildings in South Africa to have their energy performance assessed by an accredited party that will then issue an EPC that rates the building from A to 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.

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 December 7, 2022, to ensure buildings 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.

This will benefit 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.

Bluedust Engineering Solutions energy experts Dr Janco Vermeulen and Dr Frank Duvenhage ensured the required data was collected and packaged correctly for the EPC process to be executed with minimal complications.

“Kyalami is an iconic race track and venue, and it is motivating to see a leader in the industry be an early adopter of mandatory energy efficiency regulations,” Vermeulen says.

“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,” says Kyalami owner OT Venter Group of Companies CEO Toby Venter.