A recent study has highlighted significant disparities in energy efficiency across England, with the Isles of Scilly emerging as the area with the least energy-efficient homes. According to research conducted by Enviro Homes Renewables, only 14.09% of homes in the Isles of Scilly achieved an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of Band ‘C’ or above in 2022—the lowest percentage in the country by nearly ten points.
The study, which analysed data from the Office for National Statistics, reveals that other areas in the North West and South West of England also struggle with energy efficiency. Pendle in Lancashire is the second least energy-efficient area, with only 21.83% of homes reaching an EPC Band ‘C’ or above. Castle Point in Essex follows closely, with 24.84% of homes achieving the same standard.
Lancashire features prominently in the list, with Burnley (25.10%) and Hyndburn (25.38%) also ranking among the ten least energy-efficient areas. Other regions, such as the West Midlands and Yorkshire, are represented by Staffordshire Moorlands (25.58%) and Bradford (28.63%), respectively.
The top ten England areas with the least energy-efficient homes
| Rank | Local authority district name | Region | Percentage of dwellings with EPC Band ‘C’ or above, 2022 |
| 1 | Isles of Scilly | South West | 14.09% |
| 2 | Pendle | North West | 21.83% |
| 3 | Castle Point | East of England | 24.84% |
| 4 | Burnley | North West | 25.10% |
| 5 | Hyndburn | North West | 25.38% |
| 6 | Staffordshire Moorlands | West Midlands | 25.58% |
| 7 | Blackpool | North West | 26.46% |
| 8 | Barrow-in-Furness | North West | 26.67% |
| 9 | Bradford | Yorkshire and The Humber | 28.63% |
| 10 | Calderdale | Yorkshire and The Humber | 29.46% |
In contrast, Tower Hamlets in London boasts the highest percentage of energy-efficient homes, with 76.11% of properties achieving an EPC rating of Band ‘C’ or above. This figure places Tower Hamlets at the top of the list by over ten percentage points, far exceeding the national average.
London dominates the rankings for energy efficiency, with six boroughs—Tower Hamlets, City of London, Southwark, Hackney, Greenwich, and Islington—featuring in the top ten. The City of London ranks second with 64.74% of homes meeting the energy efficiency standard, followed by Southwark at 62.07%.
Outside of London, Salford in Greater Manchester ranks fourth with 62.04% of homes achieving an EPC Band ‘C’ or above, reflecting a strong performance in the North West.
The top ten England areas with the most energy-efficient homes
| Rank | Local authority district name | Region | Percentage of dwellings with EPC Band ‘C’ or above, 2022 |
| 1 | Tower Hamlets | London | 76.11% |
| 2 | City of London | London | 64.74% |
| 3 | Southwark | London | 62.07% |
| 4 | Salford | North West | 62.04% |
| 5 | Hackney | London | 61.27% |
| 6 | Greenwich | London | 59.41% |
| 7 | Cambridge | East of England | 59.23% |
| 8 | Dartford | South East | 58.81% |
| 9 | Milton Keynes | South East | 58.50% |
| 10 | Islington | London | 58.18% |
Ross Jones, Director of Enviro Homes Renewables, commented on the findings: “While there are many ways to save money on energy, a low energy efficiency rating can significantly increase costs, especially given the current cost of living crisis. For residents in areas with low EPC ratings, simple measures such as installing insulation, upgrading lighting, and replacing old boilers can make a substantial difference.”
As the cost of living continues to rise, improving home energy efficiency has become increasingly important. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions in regions where energy efficiency lags, helping households reduce their energy consumption and costs.