Mr Bridges, director of technical communication and product management at Worcester Bosch, said: “Minimum efficiency standards for rented properties will go a long way towards reducing carbon emissions, but this only scratches the surface.

“Owner-occupied homes form the majority of our housing stock, yet they remain largely unregulated. Certificates demonstrating efficiency are only required when the house is due to be sold.

“Furthermore, England and Wales have a high number of properties that were built before 1960, many of which will have poor energy efficiency. If we want to get serious about our carbon emissions, we need to develop minimum energy efficiency standards that apply to all types of property, whether rented, social or owner-occupied.”

Mr Bridges has suggested that a better target would be for all properties to have had an energy rating undertaken by 2025. 

He explained: “Ensuring that every property has an energy rating would give us a better idea of our current energy performance and help us to identify areas for improvement. That way, we can set realistic targets while empowering homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties, thereby lowering the cost of their heating and hot water.”

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards came into force for England and Wales on April 1. It is now unlawful for landlords of privately rented domestic and non-domestic buildings to lease any property that holds an Energy Performance Certificate rating (or EPC) of Category F or G.