Research Reveals Over Half of English Homes Fail to Meet Future Energy Standards

Over 50% of homes in England currently do not meet the C Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating required by landlords by 2030, according to a new study by home improvement specialists Eurocell.

Eden in Cumbria emerged as the area with the least energy-efficient housing in England, with 17% (4,319) of its 24,361 homes rated either F or G on the EPC scale. Other regions facing similar challenges include West Devon, where 15.83% of homes are rated F or G, and Cornwall, with 14.91% of homes falling into these categories.

Conversely, Tower Hamlets boasts the most energy-efficient housing in the country, with 34.39% of homes achieving above-average EPC ratings.

Across England, over 56% of homes are rated D or lower for energy efficiency. The D rating is the most common, with more than 9.3 million homes in this category. In stark contrast, only 74,770 homes (0.3% of the country’s housing stock) have attained an A certification, the highest rating.

Beth Boulton, Marketing Director at Eurocell, commented on the findings: “To meet the UK’s climate targets, almost all homes will need to be energy efficient by 2050. It’s concerning that 56% of English homes currently fall below average. With rising energy bills, it’s imperative to address the impact of inefficient housing.”

Boulton added, “Fortunately, homeowners can take practical steps to improve energy efficiency. Simple upgrades like installing modern UPVC windows, sealing draughts, or adding insulation can make a significant difference. Investing in renewable energy solutions like solar panels or heat pumps can offer long-term savings while reducing carbon footprints.”