• Analysed retrofit needs for 9.7 million EPC D-G homes across England and Wales. • Introduced a method to process high-cardinality EPC variables for better modelling. • Used explainable AI to cluster homes by emission drivers and retrofit priorities. • Identified four building typologies with distinct retrofit needs and strategies. • Revealed five local authority clusters to support targeted retrofit delivery. Meeting the UK’s target to upgrade all homes to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)