ENERGY EFFICIENCY - SANS 10400 XA

In line with well established norms abroad, the South African National Building Regulations have regulated design standards for energy efficiency that have taken effect in November 2011.

The reasons for this move in architecture can be attributed to the following:

  1. Increasing demand on power sources
  2. Increasing cost of power
  3. Global warming due to increasing carbon emissions
  4. Building legislation and carbon footprint taxation brought about by the above
  5. Clients evolving design demands due to the above.

The section in the National Building Regulations that covers energy usage in buildings is SANS 10400 XA:2011. These mandatory requirements are adopted from the broader standards established at the same time in SANS 204:2011 – Energy Efficiency in Buildings. This document aims at the long term development of energy efficient buildings in South Africa - all its standards, over time, to form part of the National Building Regulations.

The aspects covered in these standards are: orientation; design of structural envelope; fenestration (window design); shading; roof lights, air leakage; natural and artificial lighting; hot water services and mechanical ventilation allowances.

The Energy Efficiency certificate course given by SAIAT is recognised by the Building Regulator for Compulsory Specifications and satisfies the requirements of ''competent person'' as per the National Building Regulations. This course has been completed by Tania Glavas Architect together with various courses on sustainability in architecture completed since 2007.

Tania's knowledge on energy efficiency continues to grow – prioritising this requirement into your building design from conceptual stage, to technical documentation, energy efficiency including fenestration calculations, building inspection and final certification of the completed project.