New Energy Efficiency (EE) building regulations that will come into effect in November will boost job creation, says Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies.

The EE building regulations requirements include: all new buildings must have solar water heaters, heat pumps, or similar technologies; and ceilings, walls and windows must meet minimum requirements for preventing heat loss (in winter) or heat gain (in summer).

“Opportunities will be created in the manufacturing sector as well as the installation services when we produce and install one million solar water heaters by the 2014/15. If we achieve this, the estimation is that we can create around 18 000 jobs,” said Davies while addressing the South African Bureau of Standards Convention on Thursday.

The minister said this will contribute positively to government’s goal of creating five million jobs by 2020.

The new regulations will help the country to improve its energy efficiency.

“Buildings will also have to be fitted with energy efficient heating, air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems,” added Davies.