About Green Loans Program

Households are often overwhelmed by the amount of information available describing the best actions to save energy and water and to reduce greenhouse gases. It can be difficult to decide what action to take.

 

Free, independent assessment
 

Through the Green Loans Program, householders will be able to access a free, comprehensive Home Sustainability Assessment to reduce their energy and water bills, increase the comfort of their home and help reduce damaging carbon pollution.This independent assessment by a qualified expert assessor will provide advice from the smallest behaviour change to major investments such as a solar hot water system or photovoltaic panels.

 

What will you get?
 

From this assessment, householders will get a tailored, expert report listing the most effective changes for their home. The assessment will be valid for six months.

 

What is involved?
 

The assessment will involve the physical inspection of major energy and water systems relating to thermal comfort, water heating, lighting, refrigeration, cooking, entertainment, water efficiency and outdoor consumption, and waste management. The data will be entered into a sophisticated assessment software tool to allow environmental impact calculations.

 

How long will it take?
 
The length of the inspection will be influenced by the amount of information readily available, the size of the property and the number of energy and water systems to be considered.Each assessment should take around 1.5 hours to complete.
 

Frequently asked questions
 

Q1. How can I book an assessment?

 
Simply click on the Get An Assessment button and fill in your details and we will contact you to confirm an appointment so one of our assessors can come to your home to complete the assessment. You can also call 1300 600 931 to book your assessment.
 

Q2. Do I have to have the house assessment to get the loan?
Yes, the loan exists to support the Household in adopting the recommendations outlined in the Assessment Report. Only those recommended actions from the report will be covered by the loan. Q3. Can the Green Loan be used in conjunction with other Government rebates?Yes. Eligibility for the loan subsidy is not affected by other available subsidies and incentives for the same items or actions.
 

Q4. What is the extent of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) available from the implementation of eligible actions under the Home Sustainability Assessments?
Normal REC arrangement will apply through existing schemes. The Green Loans Program will not affect REC eligibility; nor will the Program be involved in the allocation of RECs.
 

Q5. What is the income threshold for Green Loan eligibility?
The Green Loans Program has a target upper threshold of $250,000 annual income for the applicant. Suitable evidence of an applicant's taxable income may be requested and may include the most recent Notice of Assessment produced by the Australian Taxation Office.
 

Q6. Who pays for the assessment?
 
The Home Sustainability Assessment has a nominal value of $250 but is free to the Household as it is fully subsidised by the Australian Government. No fee should be paid by the Household to the Assessor for a Home Sustainability Assessment.
 

Q7. Why is the assessment free?
 
The Australian Government is subsidising the cost of the Home Sustainability Assessments because it recognises that charging a fee immediately restricts the uptake of the service and introduces issues of equity. Those in most need of support to reduce their operational energy and water costs are those least likely to have discretional income available to contribute to the cost of the Home Sustainability Assessment service.
 

Q8. Are renters eligible for the Green Loans Program?
Yes, providing they are listed on the current lease. Of course, you must adhere to the requirements of your lease in making any changes to the property.
 

Q9. Are new homes eligible?
 
The Green Loans Program is aimed at increasing the efficiency of existing homes. The dwelling being assessed must have been completed and occupied for at least 12 months (not necessarily by the applicant). Suitable proof may include a certificate of occupancy or similar issued by a local or state government agency. Other policies exist to address the energy and water performance of new homes. These policies include regulations such as BASIX in New South Wales, and minimum performance standards incorporated in the Building Code of Australia in all other states and territories.
 

Q10. Which financial institutions are offering the loan?
We have had a healthy response from credit unions and banks and we are in the process of negotiation with these partners. Details will be released soon.

Three easy steps
There are just three easy steps to get your free Home Sustainability Assessment and Green Loan.

Step 1 Register for a home sustainability assessment

At no cost, a qualified home sustainability assessor will visit your home, investigate your energy and water use and establish actions that can help you save energy and water. Only one free assessment will be available per applicant at a given address. Click here now to book your assessment.
 

Step 2 Receive your tailored home sustainability assessment report
hortly after your assessment you will receive a tailored home sustainability assessment that suggests:The best water and energy saving changes your can make to your property;
 
  • Options to purchase energy and water saving devices; and
  • Practical information to help you get started.
The assessment will be valid for six months.
 

Step 3 Choose your home sustainability actions
 
With your assessment report in hand, you can make water and energy saving changes as simple or as large scale as you like as your sustainable home assessment report is the first step to qualifying for an interest free green loan of up to $10,000.Only one Green Loan can be provided per assessment report but the loan can support many individual actions.
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