Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings are used to measure how energy efficient a building is, with grades from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This data looks at how different types of properties—both listed (protected due to historical or architectural value) and unlisted—perform in terms of energy efficiency. Listed buildings are further divided into Grade I (exceptional interest) and Grade II* (particularly important). Living in a castle or church may sound like a dream, but Confused.com states that it’s important to consider the potential energy costs.  

Looking at all unlisted buildings, most properties sit in the mid-range for energy efficiency. About 32.68% are rated C, and 37.51% are rated D, which covers around 70% of all buildings. These ratings reflect a decent level of energy efficiency, likely thanks to modern building practices and renovations that help balance comfort and efficiency.

But the situation changes when we look at listed buildings. In fact, a large chunk of listed buildings fall into the lower energy efficiency bands. About 35.20% of listed buildings are rated E, compared to just 12.55% of unlisted buildings. An even more worrying 18.30% of listed buildings are rated F, compared to 2.36% of unlisted buildings. Lastly, 6.80% of listed properties are rated G—the worst rating—compared to only 0.66% of unlisted buildings. Grade I buildings have a heavy presence of G-rated buildings, with 11.30% in this category. Interestingly, not a single Grade I building has an EPC rating of A.Only 1.10% of listed buildings reach a B rating, compared to 13.87% of unlisted ones. 

Upgrading these buildings to modern energy standards is a large task. The reason for this gap is that listed buildings have limitations on what homeowners can change.  For example, updating windows, walls, and roofs - key elements for improving energy efficiency - are often restricted.  

There’s a big contrast in heating methods between listed and unlisted homes. Mains gas boilers and radiators dominate unlisted properties at an impressive 77.28%, but their prevalence drops to 47% in listed buildings. In Grade I structures, they account for 41%, while in Grade II* buildings, they rise to 47%. Conversely, oil heating enjoys a stronger presence in listed properties, representing 27% compared to a mere 2.83% in unlisted ones. Electric storage heaters make up 5.03% of unlisted and 7% of listed buildings.oom heaters powered by electricity account for 4.60% and 3%, respectively. LPG systems are hardly represented, at 0.56% for unlisted and 3% for listed buildings. 

Overall, the data highlights the popularity of traditional heating methods, particularly mains gas and oil, across various building types.

The data shows a clear difference in energy efficiency between listed and unlisted buildings. While most unlisted buildings perform reasonably well, with the majority rated C or D, listed buildings often fall short. This is possibly due to the difficulty of upgrading them. Many listed properties are stuck in the lower energy bands, such as E, F, and G. So it’s important to consider potential energy costs. 

As the push for greener, more energy-efficient buildings continues, finding a way to balance preserving historical buildings with improving their energy performance will be a challenge.