Background and Context

The post-2015 National Energy Efficiency Strategy (NEES) recognizes the importance for Government to “Driving Efficiency, Optimising Energy Use and Delivering Sustainable Services” across the three spheres of government. Moreover, the regulatory requirements for Energy Performance Certification of buildings provides an opportunity for the building and commercial sector to consolidate an approach to improve energy performance of buildings, and energy management.

South African municipalities continue to grabble several challenges including rapid urbanisation, aging infrastructure, constrained financial resources, and rising energy demand and electricity costs. These challenges impact on their ability to provide municipal services in a more efficient and sustainable manner. Energy efficiency and energy management can play a crucial role in addressing some of these challenges and advancing the transition to a low carbon and climate resilient urban economy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) considers energy efficiency as the ‘first fuel’ and a lever for enhancing productivity, growth, competitiveness and securing affordable energy.