NatWest has launched a ‘Home Energy Hub’ that will help UK homeowners understand – and improve – the energy efficiency of their homes.
The service will help customers understand their property’s carbon footprint and make the changes needed to reduce their emissions and curb energy bills. Homeowners will be able to access a free personalised plan for a “more energy-efficient and warmer home”, designed to help them make their property as sustainable as possible.
NatWest said the hub would then be able to connect customers with trusted local businesses, as well as helping to calculate the costs of the improvements and offering financing options needed to make those changes.
The hub follows NatWest’s own research, which found that two thirds (66%) of UK homeowners would like to upgrade their property and make greener home improvements over the next ten years, if it weren’t for the prohibitively high costs of having the work done.
“We know there are barriers to homeowners making energy efficiency improvements to their homes – this hub is the first step in solving that problem for homeowners by making it faster to understand, commission and pay for the work they might need,” said NatWest head of mortgages, Lloyd Cochrane.
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“Relevant solutions, suppliers and funding need to be more accessible to customers and homeowners across the UK. In order for people to realise the potential benefits and confidently undertake work to their homes, it’s incredibly important that we’re able to provide viable solutions to these property owners.”
NatWest worked closely with British Gas, Snugg, Vibrant, TrustMark and Wickes in developing the hub, which follows the recent launch of a free retrofit learning platform for the UK’s construction industry.
British Gas low carbon homes director Gail Parker said it was important to offer accessible, clear advice and guidance on how to lower emissions and make savings on energy bills.
“Partnering with Natwest as the install partner for this Home Energy Hub is an important step in accelerating the decarbonisation of UK homes, by making it easier for individuals to confidently understand, identify and act on the measures they can take,” she added.
“Each home is different, and so this will be done in a tailored way, to ensure that people are getting the right advice for them and their home.”
