Experiences and outcomes of government-funded energy efficiency interventions for low-cost housing in South Africa:case study of Gauteng and Western Cape Provinces
Date
2021
Authors
Seipobi, Phumzile Maseko
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
SANS 10400-XA is the 2011 amendments to the National Building Regulations aimed at enforcing energy efficiency for new buildings in South Africa. Using a case study approach, this study appraised the outcomes and effectiveness of the implementation of the regulations in low-cost housing in the country since 2014. Primary and secondary data collection methods were used with reference to local and international case studies. By appraising the German and Dutch energy efficiency policies, the study identified how implementation of well-developed policies contributes to their respective effectiveness and impact. This was then applied in guiding the study of South Africa’s scenario based on the two case studies of Clayville (in Gauteng Province) and Joe Slovo Park (inWestern Cape Province). In order to understand the effectiveness of the regulations in South Africa, primary data were gathered from the two housing-developments case studies as well as from the respective provincial departments as the policy implementing agents. Analyses of primary data show significant compliance with the regulations thus indicating that the energy efficiency regulations in low-income housing were adequately planned for and implemented in both projects. Primary data, in the form of interviews, from low-income housing occupants indicates mixed outcomes and also highlights critical issues for improvement. In terms of key findings, the study concludes that the positive outcomes of the energy efficiency regulations in low-income housing contribute towards basic household energy needs. However, one key finding is the existence of a performance gap in relation to the expected outcomes of the regulations. This gap is identified as poor installations of geysers and poor geyser effectiveness in winter. The study has thus identified areas for
additional interventions. The study further recommends the specification of highpressure solar geyser systems for the Western Cape to ensure reliability in access to hot water. Finally, the study also recommends more stringent oversight during construction to minimize the performance gap of installed interventions such as ceiling insulation and solar geysers
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Sustainable, Energy Efficient Cities)