Owners of energy-efficient homes could save hundreds of pounds by opting for a green mortgage – available from a growing number of lenders. Borrowers who plan to improve their home s green credentials may also qualify.
Green mortgages are deals with special rates that are only available on properties with high levels of energy efficiency. They are designed to incentivise people to buy an efficient home or to refurbish a draughty one.
There are now more than 25 green mortgages available – from bigger players including Virgin Money, Barclays and Nationwide, as well as smaller building societies such as Dudley and Saffron.
Eco-nomic: Green mortgages are deals with special rates that are only available on properties with high levels of energy efficiency
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Current accounts
This is a good place to start for those looking to make a positive change.
If you want to be sure your money isn’t financing fossil fuels or other controversial industries, you may want to consider moving to a bank such as Triodos, which “only lends to organisations that positively affect people’s lives, protect the planet or build strong communities”.
The Triodos current account can be operated online and via an app, comes with an eco-friendly contactless debit Mastercard (it is made from a plastic substitute derived from renewable sources) and offers an overdraft of up to £2,000. But a stumbling block for some will be the £3 monthly account fee, or the fact that Triodos doesn’t have any high street branches.