Navigate South Africa's energy efficiency regulations for fenestration with confidence — from TSET calculations to municipal submissions.
SANS 10400-XA is South Africa's national building regulation governing energy usage in buildings, with specific requirements for fenestration (windows, glazing, and shading systems). It sets limits on Total Solar Energy Transmittance (TSET) to reduce cooling loads and improve building energy performance.
For architects, compliance means demonstrating that your fenestration design meets prescribed TSET limits based on building zone, orientation, and climate region — or providing a rational design proving equivalent performance.
Maximum TSET values vary by climatic zone (1–6) and façade orientation. North-facing glazing in Zone 5 has stricter limits than south-facing in Zone 1.
Total glazed area must not exceed prescribed percentages of the floor area. Larger windows require lower TSET values or additional shading.
Prescriptive compliance using published TSET tables and area limits. Straightforward but less flexible for complex designs.
Performance-based compliance using energy modelling. Allows creative freedom but requires professional sign-off and detailed calculations.
Blind Solutions Academy offers SACAP-accredited CPD courses covering SANS 10400-XA compliance, including practical workshops on TSET calculations and the role of shading systems in energy-efficient design.