A study by the Energy Saving Trust has shown that the number of UK homes falling into the lowest energy efficiency rating band has fallen slightly over the last few years.

Many homes in the UK that energy efficiency rated F and G would only need minor improvements such as loft and cavity wall insulation to push their rating up. Such improvements would cost less than £1000 and provide a base which can be enhanced with more major improvements such as double glazing.

The study showed that of the energy performance certificate ratings that homes received, 17% of homes in England fell into bands F and G in 2008, a 5% drop from 22% in 2006. The study also showed that least energy efficient, G rated homes emit more than 22 tonnes of CO2 a year compared to the 5 tonnes that the average British home emits.

By bringing all of the lowest rated homes up to an E rating could save 14 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year as well as cutting energy bills and reducing fuel poverty. Based on another survey conducted by the Energy Saving Trust back in 2005, around 37% of these homes lacked basic insulation and around 47% did not have a modern boiler.

However, despite the large number of homes needing energy efficient improvements only 15% would need more than £5000 spending to improve their rating. 

Author:  Thomas Davies

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