The West Midlands continues to under-perform when it comes to energy efficient homes, potentially costing bill-payers a fortune.

Statistics from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, show that 41.4% of homes bought, built or let across the county since June 2017 have an energy efficiency rating of C or higher.

Uniquely, from an improvement in 2014/15, when only 25.6% of homes bought, built or let had one of the top three grades, the figure is still below the national average of 44.7%.

This means that homes in the West Midlands use more energy to heat than average – costing bill-payers more money.

Building scores range from A-G, based on how much it costs to heat them relative to their size.

Energy ratings are measured from A-G. A translates to a well insulated, energy efficient and modern home, and a score of G represents draughty older buildings that leak heat.

Sollihull had the highest rating in our area, with 47.5% of homes achieving one of the top three ratings.

However, the least efficient area was Birmingham, with 18.5% of buildings falling into one of the bottom three categories – more than the national average of 17.8%.

In addition, the West Midlands as a whole, 16.9% of homes were rated E, F or G.

Energy efficiency of buildings in West Midlands

Local Authority // %A-C // %E-G

Solihull // 47.5% // 16.0%

Coventry // 44.4% // 12.5%

Sandwell // 43.5% // 16.9%

Walsall // 41.9% // 17.8%

Wolverhampton // 40.0% // 18.1%

Birmingham // 39.9% // 18.5%

Dudley // 36.4% // 16.9%

Article taken from Birmingham Live and edited on 31/07/18]

Additionally, an easy way of increasing your building’s efficiency rating, is to have loft or cavity wall insulation installed. Furthermore, to see if your eligible for free or grant assisted insulation. Get in contact today with your local West Bromwich branch at:

A&M contact