Fewer than a quarter of homes in England and Wales are rated “above average” for energy efficiency.
Some 23% of homes are rated above the middle rating band (band D), with 21% in the more energy efficient band C and 2% in the second highest energy efficient band (band B). This represents an improvement from the 20% in the “above average” bands recorded in the previous survey in January 2009.
There were no homes in the survey achieving the highest energy efficiency rating (band A). Some 42% of homes are rated in the “average” band (band D); slightly less than the 44% in January 2009. Only 3% of homes are in the lowest energy efficiency band (band G).
Flats are, by a distance, typically more energy efficient than houses. More than one in two flats (53%) are in “above average” energy efficient bands, with 40% in band C and 13% in band B. This represents an improvement on the previous survey when 49% of flats were in these bands. In contrast, less than two in five houses (18%) are ranked above “average”.
Energy efficiency is typically higher in more recently built houses, particularly those built since 1996. This highlights the beneficial impact of the higher environmental standards required for new properties.
Nitesh Patel, housing economist at Halifax, said: “The overwhelming majority of homes have an energy efficiency rating that is either average or below average. Many homes could move into a higher energy efficiency band through simple energy saving measures such as the better insulation of lofts and external walls.
“Higher energy ratings mean lower fuel bills, which is an important consideration for many homeowners over the coming winter months, particularly in the current harsh economic climate. Separate research indicates that fuel efficiency and energy saving measures, such as loft and cavity wall insulation, can add more to the value of your home than other improvements.”
“Whilst loft and cavity wall insulation is an absolute must, renewable energy technologies such as solar, biomass, heat pumps, and wind turbines, are for the shrewd investor. With the introduction of the feed in tariff in 2010, and the renewable heat incentive in 2011, there’s no better time to install renewable energy” added Barry Nutley, Partner at Viridis Energie Consultants, the UK’s independent renewable energy consultants..