Half of listed buildings in the lowest EPC ratings of D – G

A new report from Confused.com is highlighting significant discrepancies in energy performance between listed and unlisted properties.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, which assess the energy efficiency of buildings on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), reveal that only 10% of listed buildings achieve a rating of A-C. In contrast, nearly 50% of unlisted buildings fall within this range. Notably, no Grade I listed buildings received an A rating, and around 35% of listed buildings are rated E, compared to just 12% of unlisted properties.

The study found that 18% of listed buildings are rated F, while only 2% of unlisted buildings fall into this category.
Meanwhile, 6.8% of listed buildings received a G rating—the lowest possible—compared to 0.66% of unlisted homes.
Grade I buildings are particularly affected, with 11% rated G.

The analysis indicates that the majority of unlisted buildings tend to be rated in the mid-range for energy efficiency, with about 70% rated C or D. This is attributed to modern building practices and renovations that enhance energy performance.

Conversely, listed buildings face stricter renovation regulations that hinder upgrades essential for improving energy efficiency. Key modifications, such as updating windows and insulation, are often restricted, leaving many properties with outdated heating systems.

In terms of heating methods, traditional solutions dominate both categories. Mains gas boilers are prevalent in unlisted buildings (77.28%) but drop to 47% in listed properties. Alternatively, oil heating is more common in listed buildings, accounting for 27% compared to just 2.83% in unlisted homes. LPG systems are hardly represented, at 0.56% for unlisted and 3% for listed buildings.

A greater percentage of listed buildings have lower EPC ratings of E, F, and G compared to unlisted buildings in all regions. On average, 21% more listed buildings are rated E than unlisted ones, which represents the largest difference between the two categories. London is the only area where a higher percentage of listed buildings have a D rating compared to unlisted buildings. In the case of the rare A-rated buildings, the North West comes closest to having similar numbers for both listed and unlisted properties.