Ten buildings selected for Durban's energy efficiency initiative rollout
Ten buildings in the eThekwini Municipality will be part of the Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings Infrastructure (EEPBI) pilot programme.
The next phases of implementation, and championing the broader rollout of Energy Performance Contracting (EnPCs) across the municipal property portfolio, were given the go-ahead at a council meeting on Thursday.
This pilot project is a replicable model for institutionalised energy efficiency delivery.
eThekwini has been an active participant in the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme since 2011, focusing on reducing municipal energy consumption: improving energy performance in public infrastructure, and promoting sustainable urban services.
The municipality has been awarded a conditional allocation of R7 million through the Division of Revenue Act as part of the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
The city is participating in the EEPBI programme, which is a sub-project of the EEDSM initiative led by the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE).
The EEPBI aims to leverage private sector investment in municipal energy efficiency. It is designed to address energy inefficiencies in public buildings through guaranteed energy savings.
Ten buildings, with high energy consumption and retrofit potential, will be part of the pilot project.
The retrofits are expected to create temporary and permanent jobs in electrical work, energy management, monitoring, and maintenance.
- uShaka Marine World
- Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC)
- Pinetown Metro Police
- City fleet Durban
- KwaMuhle Museum
- Mansel Market
- Montford Library
- Queensburgh Library (Malvern branch)
- Chatsworth Civic Centre
- Chatsworth Metro Police
Unemployed graduates and artisans in the municipality are expected to participate in the project for experiential learning.
The implementation of the EnPC project will occur in stages starting from October 2025, following the procurement of a transactional advisor to assist the municipality in structuring and facilitating the ENPC process. There is expected to be a standardised energy performance contract and training workshops.
Asanda Nyembezi, an eThekwini EFF councillor, said the initiative will make a difference to the marginalised communities of eThekwini. He said the initiative aligns with the EFF’s commitment to sustainable development.
“It will employ people and give skills development with the potential of starting their own business, benefiting our local small, medium, and micro enterprises. This is a positive step in community development. We look forward to working with the city to ensure its success,” Nyembezi said.
Philisiwe Ndlovu, an ANC councillor, said the initiative will not only bolster eThekwini’s climate resilience but also enhance efficiency and significantly reduce energy consumption across municipal buildings.
“This represents our journey to smart and energy infrastructure. It will also enhance our entire municipal property portfolio. Together, let us lead eThekwini to a more sustainable future,” Ndlovu said.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za