A group of homes in Bradford have been highlighted as some of the most energy efficient in the country.

The six properties in Barmby Place, Undercliffe, were awarded a C grade for efficiency by experts from the University of Sheffield and energy company E.on.

The company carried out a study of typical homes across England, in conjunction with the Building Environments Analysis Unit from the university, and graded them from A* to G according to their green credentials.

And the Bradford homes were ranked highly by the experts who looked at more than ten different types of homes nationwide.

Some of the energy and money saving measures installed at the flats and houses include solar panels, walls made from recycled paper, insulation for walls, floors and lofts and efficient heating and hot water systems.

The highest ranking was awarded to a street of terraced houses in Langport, Somerset, with an A* grade, while a pre-1900 farm house in north Shropshire was given a G.

Dr Hasim Altan, a lecturer in sustainable living at the University of Sheffield, has been carrying out research into all the properties in the survey, including the Bradford homes, for the past 12 years.

He said: “Some properties are naturally more energy efficient than others. However, by making a few small changes – be they behavioural or physical – customers could find themselves on the right road to upping their grades.”

Emma Thompson, of E.on said: “It’s exam time at the moment and many students will be waiting for their results in the summer, so we thought we’d put homes to the test and show how different properties rank according to energy efficiency.

“But energy efficiency isn’t just about your house type, so we’re encouraging people to go online and find out for themselves just how much energy they’re using.

“Once armed with this information, we can take all the necessary steps to cut our usage, lower our energy bills and get ‘energy fit’.”

To find out how energy efficient your home is, go to the website www.eonenergyfit.com.

While we are all happy to see the sun, it is particularly good news for Rashpal Caur who lives in one of the energy efficient homes in Barmby Place.

The solar panels on her roof come into their own when the sun shines and are one of the reasons she only pays around £120 a year for her utility bills.

Rashpal moved into the house with her five children about four years ago and has been feeling the benefits ever since.

“The way the house is built makes a big difference,” she said. “The walls are made of recycled paper and really keep the heat in. The sun’s good for me and the solar panels help store lots of energy too.

“My electricity bill’s less than £100 a year and I pay about £6 a year for my gas for the cooker – and I do a lot of cooking!”