Across the world, homeowners and buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the link between property and sustainability. It turns out, energy-efficient homes are not just good for the planet, they are also cheaper to run and often fetch higher resale values. Both of these are strong motivations to ‘go green’ with your choice of property. 

In South Africa, where electricity costs are climbing and load shedding continues to impact daily life, we would argue that the energy performance of a home has never been more relevant. It is precisely at this juncture, where energy and carbon ratings for residential properties come into play. 

Let’s take a few moments to break this topic down, giving you the information you need to make informed decisions around your home.  

What Are Energy And Carbon Ratings? 

Starting with the energy rating, this measures how efficient a home is in terms of its energy consumption. This rating typically covers aspects such as insulation, windows, heating and cooling systems, water heating, and even lighting. A carbon rating, on the other hand, focuses on the amount of greenhouse gases a home contributes through its energy use.  

Together, these ratings provide a clearer picture of how sustainable and cost-effective a property is to live in. 

If you’re wondering if a rating scheme is compulsory for residential buildings, then we can confirm that at present, South Africa does not yet have a compulsory national energy rating scheme for residential buildings. That said, the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) has been piloting projects to measure energy performance and promote more sustainable construction (SANEDI).  

Why These Ratings Matter For South Africans 

Internationally speaking, systems like the EU’s Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Australia’s Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) already provide homeowners and buyers with these insights. But locally? Well, let’s just say that we’re slowly moving in the same direction. 

Here are four reasons why this matters: 

1. Lower running costs. Energy-efficient homes use less electricity, which means smaller monthly bills. For example, better insulation and efficient geysers can cut energy usage significantly and result in substantial long-term savings. 

2. Higher property values. Globally, homes with good energy ratings attract higher selling prices. As South Africa adopts similar systems, buyers are likely to start factoring energy performance into their offers. 

3. Easier access to green financing. Some banks already offer ‘green bonds’ or preferential rates for homes with sustainable features, so having an official energy or carbon rating could strengthen a buyer’s case when applying for this kind of finance. 

4. Environmental responsibility. For many South Africans, reducing carbon emissions is not only about personal savings but also about contributing to a more sustainable future. 

What Influences A Home’s Rating? 

Several factors determine how a home would perform in an energy or carbon assessment. For starters, there’s the insulation and building materials. Properly insulated walls, ceilings, and floors reduce the need for heating and cooling. In addition, there is the impact that glazed windows can have on stabilising indoor temperatures. 

Importantly, South African homeowners can influence their home’s rating by addressing their water heating. With geysers being one of the biggest energy consumers in South African homes, investing in solar water heaters and heat pumps can improve ratings significantly. 

A more common trigger for higher or lower energy ratings is your lighting, so take a couple of weekends to swap over to LED lighting. This kind of renewable energy isn’t the only change over, though. There’s also the switch to solar, including investing in solar panels and battery storage, which not only reduces grid reliance but also lowers a property’s carbon footprint. 

Here’s what you can do now: 

• Get an energy audit. Professionals can assess your home’s current efficiency and highlight cost-effective improvements. 

• Start with quick wins. Switch to LED lighting, seal gaps around windows and doors, and insulate geysers with blankets. 

• Think long term. Consider installing solar PV systems, solar water heating, or investing in better insulation. 

• Track your consumption. Many smart meters and apps let you see exactly how much energy your home uses, making it easier to manage. 

Feeling Informed? 

With energy efficiency becoming a growing priority in South Africa, it is only a matter of time before official residential energy and carbon ratings become part of the property landscape. With this in mind, the fact that a good rating could boost your property’s value, while a poor rating may mean investing in upgrades to stay competitive, makes any changes of increasing importance. 

We trust that this information will help you take your next steps, and if you’re looking for more practical advice on energy efficiency or want to explore the cost of solar, then please take a few minutes to explore AA Inform.