Energy Efficiency (EE) policies aim to reduce energy consumption, reliance on fossil fuels and ultimately, lower energy bills. Despite their potential, there remains a gap between policy intentions and practical implementation on construction sites in South Africa. Recent updates to SANS 10400-XA and the mandatory Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) framework introduced in December 2022 seek to strengthen compliance, but enforcement challenges persist. This study explores how design professionals and construction site managers ensure that regulatory structures for EE policies are enforced during the construction phase. A qualitative method with an interpretivist stance was used, gathering insights from 15 industry professionals using structured interviews. The interviewees identified a lack of clear regulations on EE targets. Findings highlight gaps in training, incentives, and regulatory enforcement. Recommendations include improved education, policy integration, and strengthened auditing mechanisms. Professional bodies like CIBD and the GBCSA should outline how they can effectively support and educate site managers It will be essential to enforce compliance on EE regulations for all construction projects, not the current case where it is still optional.