The lender said that the platform would allow the UK’s 14.6 million homeowners to understand the steps needed to make “sustainable changes” to their property through trusted partners in their local area and the financing options that may be available, some of which could be from the bank or government grants.
The platform includes an affordability calculator to give homeowners an indication of how much they could borrow, different costs and requirements for varying retrofit options, the range of funding options available and the ability to track progress of works.
It added that making energy efficiency improvements could also help tackle rising energy bills.
Natwest has worked on the platform alongside British Gas as a principal partner s well as new partners Snugg, Vibrant, TrustMark and Wickes
The firm has also recently brought out a free retrofit learning platform for the UK’s construction industry in partnership with the Supply Chain Sustainability School, to upskill and accelerate the retrofit market.
Starting customers on their energy efficiency journey
Lloyd Cochrane (pictured), head of mortgages at Natwest said: “From our own research, 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.
“Relevant solutions, suppliers and funding needs 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. Partnerships are key in helping us to do that and helping customers to get started on their home energy efficiency journey.”
Gail Parker, low carbon homes director at British Gas, added: “To help decarbonise homes in the UK, it’s important that people get 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. 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.”
