The energy efficiency legislation for new buildings SANS 10400-XA has been published by the regulator (NRCS).
South Africa has been divided into six climatic zones according to their humidity and temperature variations. Each climatic zone has different R-value requirements for certain walls and ceilings. The appropriate thickness and R-value of insulation for your climatic zone, correctly installed, will protect your home against the cold, heat and save electricity providing a comfortable, healthy, safe and quiet space for you and your family.
All new buildings will have to comply with the performance parameters laid out which means that insulation will have to be installed to achieve the stipulated R-values.
The roof system must achieve the R value specified in the table below dependent on the climatic zone in which you are situated.
A minimum of 50% of the annual average heating requirement for hot water must be provided by means other than electric resistance heating (Geyser) or fossil fuels
All material has an R-value which is the ability of a product to resist the transfer of heat. Thermal insulation provides a high resistance to the flow of heat from the warm surface to the cold surface in your home, helping you maintain a comfortable living environment, keeping your house cool in summer and warm in winter.
All new buildings will have to comply with the performance parameters, which means that insulation will have to be installed to achieve the stipulated R-values.
Compliance is achieved by meeting deemed to satisfy performance criteria, rational design, compliance tables or comparison with a theoretical reference building.
Climatic zones
South Africa has been divided into six climatic zones according to their humidity and temperature variations. Each climatic zone has different R-value requirements for certain walls and ceilings. The appropriate thickness and R-value of insulation for your climatic zone, correctly installed, will protect your home against the cold, heat and save electricity providing a comfortable, healthy, safe and quiet space for you and your family.
Building Envelope requirements
All new buildings will have to comply with the performance parameters laid out which means that insulation will have to be installed to achieve the stipulated R-values.
- Orientation
- Shading
- Floors
- Fenestration
- External Walls
- Roof and Ceiling
Roof and Ceiling system requirements
The roof system must achieve the R value specified in the table below dependent on the climatic zone in which you are situated.
Mechanical ventilation and air conditioning
- Air conditioning or mechanical ventilation systems (or both) installed in buildings shall comply with the relevant national legislation
Hot water supply requirements, Geysers
A minimum of 50% of the annual average heating requirement for hot water must be provided by means other than electric resistance heating (Geyser) or fossil fuels
- 50% of heating requirement must be from a source other than electrical
- All hot water pipes must be insulated with a minimum R value of 1
All material has an R-value which is the ability of a product to resist the transfer of heat. Thermal insulation provides a high resistance to the flow of heat from the warm surface to the cold surface in your home, helping you maintain a comfortable living environment, keeping your house cool in summer and warm in winter.
