<p><span>The number of Energy Performance Certificates issued for new build homes in England rose 16% in the year to June 2021 against the previous year, with 85% of new dwellings in England and Wales achieving the highest energy ratings of A or B, according to government EPC figures.</span></p> <p><span><a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1006453/EPB_Cert_Statistics_Release_Q2_2021.pdf">Data</a> from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) shows that in the 12 months to June, 251,000 EPCs were recorded for new build homes. For the same period for Wales, </span><span>9,000 EPCs were lodged, up 17% year-on-year.</span></p> <p><span>From April to June 2021, 85% of new properties in England were awarded an A or B rating. For Wales this was 86%.</span></p> <p><span>Housing secretary Robert Jenrick said the figures suggested an increase in the number of environmentally friendly homes. He commented: “</span><span>This government acted decisively to keep the housing market open and operating safely during the pandemic. We are now seeing the benefit as these latest figures indicate an increase in supply of green homes.</span></p> <p><span>“Not only do we want to build back better, we want to make sure homes across the nation are fit for the future, better for the environment and more affordable for home owners to heat. …