Sparks Electrical News November 2025

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

12

Net Zero in the built environment: from buzzword to action By: Martin Smith, design director and expertise leader – Building Services, Zutari

interruptions now a recurring challenge, sustainability interventions are no longer just about environmental responsibility but are about safeguarding business performance in the face of risk. The urgency to act cannot be overstated. Climate risks are intensifying, regulatory frameworks are tightening, and the financial and reputational costs of inaction are mounting. Every intervention counts, whether through innovative design, smart retrofits, or data-driven operations. Progress will require architects, engineers, developers, and facility managers to work together in ways that transcend traditional silos. The path to net zero is not linear, and it is not easy. But it is possible. Achieving it demands a collective shift from short term cost to long-term value, from isolated interventions to integrated systems, and from passive compliance to proactive leadership. The built environment can be a powerful force for change. The time to act is now, and it starts with a choice: to design, operate, and manage our buildings not only for today, but for the generations that will inherit them.

cost. When feasibility studies are based on lifecycle value, performance strategies emerge not as expensive add-ons, but as financially attractive investments. Designing for performance, however, is only the beginning. A well-designed building can still underperform if it is not managed effectively. Real outcomes depend on how occupants and facility managers operate the space. Smart building systems that monitor and manage resource consumption in real time are therefore essential. They enable facility managers to track actual performance against benchmarks, ensuring that sustainability targets move from aspiration to action. As the saying goes, you cannot manage what you do not measure. Zutari is working with clients to retrofit existing assets with smart systems and improved building services that reduce both energy consumption and water usage. In a resource-constrained environment, these dual benefits are invaluable. By integrating performance data with broader business applications, organisations can align sustainability goals with operational strategy, strengthening both resilience and continuity. With power and water

industries, and communities. With the built environment responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, our sector has a critical role to play. One area of immediate focus in South Africa is the mandatory implementation of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which come into effect at the end of the year. These will shine a spotlight on the energy efficiency of thousands of buildings and create a new baseline for accountability. Globally, the evidence is clear that buildings with poor energy performance lose tenants and market value rapidly. Owners and operators who fail to act decisively risk obsolescence; those who act now can futureproof their assets. To achieve this, we need a shift in mindset from capital expenditure to lifecycle value. Too often, development decisions are driven purely by upfront costs. Yet, the majority of a building’s financial and environmental footprint occurs during its operational life. In new developments, strategic planning such as optimal orientation and passive design interventions can significantly enhance performance, often at no additional

‘Net zero’ has become one of the defining terms of our time, but in the built environment, it represents a challenge that is far more complex than it appears. In South Africa, buildings can now be certified as net zero through the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). Yet, certification does not mean that a building has no environmental impact. Initial levels of net zero certification are focused mainly on operational performance and often rely on offsets to compensate for shortfalls. This is progress, but only the first step. To genuinely reduce impact, we must look at the full lifecycle from material extraction and construction through to operation, renovation, and eventual deconstruction. Although new frameworks are improving our ability to measure whole life carbon, data gaps and scenario uncertainty remain significant challenges. As a global society, we are on a journey to reduce and ultimately reverse the environmental impact of our activities. This transformation cannot happen overnight. It demands collaboration across borders,

Enquiries: https://www.zutari.com

Introducing Action Instrument’s PV multi-function meter T he Sonel MPI-540-PV photovoltaic multi-function meter from Action Instruments was created for measuring the parameters of PV installations. Using only this single of the EN 62446 standard. Additionally, it can be used to carry out all measurements necessary to determine the safety condition of both domestic and industrial electrical installations. This device features advanced capabilities, specifically designed for specialists in the installation and electrical industry. One of its key features is device, users can conduct a comprehensive range of tests on both the DC and AC sides, in accordance with the guidelines

230/400 V, 240/415 V, 254/440 V, and 290/500 V, as well as DC networks. It supports various systems, including: • Single-phase • Split-phase with common N • Three-phase – WYE with and without N conductor • Three-phase – Delta The MPI-540-PV combines the measuring capabilities of several devices while maintaining exceptional accuracy. It can measure photovoltaic installations in accordance with the EN 62446 standard, including: • Continuity of protective and equipotential bondings • Earth resistance • Insulation resistance on the DC side • Open circuit voltage UOC • Short circuit current ISC • Working currents and powers on both DC and AC sides • Inverter efficiency Additionally, the MPI-540-PV can record 50/60 Hz power quality parameters in accordance with Class S of EN 61000 4-30. It can also be used for all measurements required for the commissioning of electrical installations in accordance with applicable regulations. Its automatic installation safety test allows for easy safety control of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical installations. The MPI-540-PV also features a three-phase power quality recorder with a live mode view, allowing real-time registration and graphical presentation of electrical network parameters, such as voltage, current, power, harmonics, and THD.

the automatic recalculation of measured parameters to

Standard Test Conditions (STC). It can also verify inverter efficiency by measuring voltages, currents, and power. After transferring data from the meter’s memory to the Sonel Reports PLUS program, users can generate detailed reports of the PV installation parameters. To automate measurements, the Sonel MPI-540-PV features an Auto mode for testing residual current devices (RCDs). The instrument also includes pre-programmed measurement sequences (autotests) that can be customised with a user’s own sequences if needed. The device is designed to work with mains at nominal frequencies of 50/60 Hz and a wide range of nominal voltages: 64/110 V, 110/190 V, 115/200 V, 127/220 V, 220/380 V,

High-Performance Switches for Superior Safety

The INOSYS LBS Series offers advanced load break switches specifically designed for demanding DC applications, including renewable energy systems like photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage (ESS). These switches ensure reliable and safe disconnection of electrical circuits in high-voltage environments. Capable of handling up to 1500 VDC in just 2 poles, the INOSYS LBS stands out with its robust design, performing reliably even in extreme conditions. Ideal for critical power applications, and suited for the DC-PV2 utilisation.

For a future that will be more

Electric , more Sustainable

and more focused on DC

Enquiries: https://www.aisa.co.za/

High performance switching Focus on Safety Application tested design Easy integration & modular solution

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SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 2025

NOVEMBER 2025