Research from Confused.com has revealed the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings for listed and unlisted buildings.
EPC ratings are used to measure how energy efficient a building is, with grades from A, most efficient, to G, least efficient. The data looked at how different types of properties, both listed (and unlisted, perform in terms of energy efficiency. Listed buildings are further divided into Grade I and Grade II.
The research found that most unlisted buildings are in the mid-range for energy efficiency. Around 32.68% are rated C, and 37.51% are rated D, which covers around 70% of all buildings. Confused.com stated that these ratings reflect a decent level of energy efficiency, likely due to modern building practices and renovations that help balance comfort and efficiency.
Confused.com said the situation changes with listed buildings. About 35.20% of listed buildings are rated E, compared to just 12.55% of unlisted buildings. The data also found that 18.30% of listed buildings are rated F, compared to 2.36% of unlisted buildings. A total of 6.80% of listed properties are rated G, the lowest rating, compared to 0.66% of unlisted buildings. Grade I buildings have a heavy presence of G-rated buildings, the company noted, with 11.30% in this category. Confused.com found that not a single Grade I building has an EPC rating of A, and 1.10% of listed buildings reach a B rating, compared to 13.87% of unlisted ones.
The company explained that upgrading listed buildings to modern energy standards is a large task because they have limitations on what homeowners can change. Updating windows, walls and roofs, which are key elements for improving energy efficiency, are often restricted, it noted.
Mains gas boilers and radiators are used to heat 77.28% of unlisted properties, but this decreases to 47% in listed buildings. In Grade I structures, they account for 41%, while in Grade II buildings, they rise to 47%.
The research also revealed that 27% of listed buildings use oil heating, compared to 2.83% in unlisted ones. Electric storage heaters make up 5.03% of unlisted and 7% of listed buildings. Room heaters powered by electricity account for 4.60% and 3%.