Memo signed to start energy efficiency center construction

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed this week to start the construction of the so-called South African Regional Energy Efficiency Center (SAREEC), which is expected to start operations within the next 24 months. The center will offer information and research and energy-efficiency product validations for designers, architects, builders, utilities, governments and manufacturers.

The purpose of the memorandum is to establish the center for testing of energy efficiency performance of building-envelope components and to provide a hub for research and development in the South African region.

According to an article from Engineering News, the center would house a testing laboratory, as well as training facilities and would be developed within the existing infrastructure of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, incorporating expertise from the built environment and the natural resources and the environment units.

Once the SAREEC is constructed, it would:
• Share technical cooperation at various levels and provide information on energy-efficient building technology.
• Facilitate commercial activities to provide services, products and processes related to energy efficiency (including the introduction and transfer of advanced technologies from overseas) through joint ventures and foreign investment.
• Organize training and demonstration projects on energy-efficiency.
• Coordinate and develop educational activities in energy-efficiency, including distribution of publications, public education, and training classes and seminars.
• Document and publish energy efficiency case studies online.
• Provide the basis for quality energy efficiency programs that boost local economic activity.
• And, meet the needs of building owners and operators, engineers, architects and utilities.

The Memorandum was concluded between the South African National Energy Research Institute (Saneri), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of South Africa (Aaamsa).

Photo courtesy of Lisa F. Young