According to tests undertaken by British Gas, it would appear that Tudor homes are far more energy efficient than their 20th century mock-tudor counterparts.

Properties built in the 1960s leak a third more warm air than Tudor houses according the energy supplier, who also noted that Victorian properties also fared better than their modern day equivalents.

Alan McLaughlin of British Gas, which has launched the ‘Save a Billion’ campaign to highlight energy waste, said: “Through this wasted energy each household in the country emits around six tonnes of carbon dioxide a year - that is more CO2 emissions than the average car, with 25 percent of all carbon emissions coming from home.”

Mr McLaughlin went on to state that the tests confirm British Gas’s view that Britain wastes around £5 billion in energy costs every year.

The ‘Save a Billion’ campaign aims, first to raise awareness of the scale of energy waste in the UK and secondly to highlight the steps people can take to reduce energy.

Lois Hedg-peth, Energy Director for British Gas, said of the initiative: “One in every three pounds spent on energy in the UK is wasted through poor energy efficiency. Energy waste is a global issue but if we all do our bit to reduce waste then we can permanently cut our energy bills and help to save the environment.”

Hank Dittmar, chief executive of Prince Charles’s Foundation for the Built Environment, said of British Gas’s findings: “Wind turbines, solar panels and other hi-tech green devices might get the media attention, but the smartest way to save energy may be to live in a Tudor house and insulate the attic and repair the windows.”

Speaking to The Guardian, Mr Dittmar went on to add that the Tudors may be able to claim sustainable homes as another first, alongside tennis and beer.

Click here for the British Gas ‘Save a Billion’ campaign