Client: Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
Location: South Africa (Nationwide)
Sector: Tourism & Hospitality
Duration: 2023–2026

Challenge

As part of the Department of Tourism’s Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP), numerous privately owned tourism businesses received funding support to install renewable energy and water-saving technologies. The IDC, appointed as the programme administrator, required independent verification that installations were completed correctly, safely, and in compliance with relevant standards before final approval and funding disbursement.

Our Approach

Linchpin ESS was appointed to the Panel of Service Providers to carry out Installation Verification Audits across multiple hospitality sites. Our role was to verify the physical implementation of installed systems, ensuring technical integrity, code compliance, and functional operation.

Key Steps in Our Audit Process:

• On-site inspections of installed technologies (primarily Solar PV systems)
• Verification of correct mounting of panels and system layout
• Electrical safety checks: grounding, wiring, breakers, and inverters
• Cross-checking design specifications vs. installed system
• Review of key documentation:
  • Certificates of Compliance (COCs)
  • Electrical schematics
  • Manufacturer guidelines
  • Installation and inspection reports

Sites Audited

Over 20 privately owned tourism businesses were audited across all provinces. B&Bs, Restaurants and Hotels, Guest Lodges, Game Lodges, and Guest Farms.

Project Outcome

Our audits confirmed whether funded installations:

• Met design specifications and safety standards
• Were installed correctly and safely
• Complied with electrical codes and manufacturer requirements
• Were eligible for warranties, incentives, and grid connections

This provided the IDC and the Department of Tourism with critical assurance that funded projects were successfully delivered, while also protecting beneficiaries from technical risks or faulty implementation.