NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
1500. Mr A C Steyn (DA) to ask the Minister of Human Settlements:
1. Whether there are any plans to introduce energy saving initiatives in
the building of new subsidised homes: if so, what are the relevant
details; if not, why not?
2. Whether there are any plans to introduce policy or legislation to
encourage future private homeowners and/or developers to make use of
energy saving initiatives in the construction of their homes; if so,
what are the relevant details; if not, why not?
REPLY
1. Yes, the National Housing Code contains detailed guidelines to promote
environmentally and energy efficient housing in the subsidy sector.
The Department of Human Settlements has been working with the NHBRC to
cost various measures to enhance the thermal performance of houses in
the subsidy market. The most promising and cost effective of these is
the installation of a ceiling and the provision of above ceiling
insulation. Other measures include plastering of the external walls of
the houses, under floor insulation and sealing of windows and doors.
The cost implications of introducing energy efficient measures in the
subsidy housing market will be considered, once the NHBRC have
finalised their research report.
2. Yes, the Department of Energy has instructed the South African Bureau
of Standards (SABS) to develop national standards for energy
efficiency in naturally ventilated building. Theses standards will
form part of the National Building Regulations and is referred to as
the SANS 204 Standard. The Department of Human Settlements
participated in the working group process and the draft standards have
been published for comments. The standards are currently being
refined in terms of the comments received and will then be presented
for approval.