How Energy Efficient are Student Houses and Complexes?

Unipol has seen a considerable number of EPCs and has analysed the first full year of marketing with EPCs.

Most shared student houses in Bradford have a D (19%) or an E (61%) for environmental impact. If a house has been well insulated and has a recently fitted combination boiler then it can get a C (around 10% currently). Anything with C or above is comparatively high on energy efficiency.

Almost no houses will get an A (at the latest count there were 22 houses in England in this category) but some houses do get a B. Likewise, almost no houses get a G, but any house on F and G will mean it is expensive to heat. Usually this is because of high ceilings and large expanses of external wall.

The certificate gives some information on potential savings that can be made. In many older Victorian houses, the potential rating is often very close to the current rating, meaning that little can be done to improve energy efficiency. If the potential is a much higher rating than the current one you tenants can raise the possibility of energy improvements with the landlord (details are available on the full report about what could be done). Any improvements will save you money on heating (unless your rent is energy inclusive).

Most newly built complexes are rated C and D (with gas heated complexes generally getting a C or a B and electrically heated complexes getting a D).