Ecology Building Society has introduced a new offering aimed at encouraging homeowners to invest in green home improvements by providing free expert advice through a partnership with retrofit management company Retrogreen. The initiative targets borrowers using Ecology’s renovation mortgage, helping them navigate options to enhance home comfort, improve energy efficiency, and reduce household energy bills.

The lack of clear, practical, and independent advice often acts as a barrier for homeowners considering retrofit projects. Ecology observed that many borrowers are uncertain about potential costs and struggle to find accredited tradespeople for green improvements. To address this, the society has integrated Retrogreen’s online retrofit management tool into its services. This tool allows homeowners to assess their property, understand what retrofit work could benefit them most, and estimate associated costs. Users can prioritise improvements according to personal affordability and priorities while receiving projections on how these changes might improve their property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating and potentially increase its market value.

Daniel Capstick, Ecology’s senior mortgages product and proposition manager, emphasised the value of closing the information gap for consumers. Speaking to Mortgage Solutions, he noted, “Time and again, we hear that consumers are interested in making green home improvements, but often, they don’t know where to start. That’s why we’ve partnered with Retrogreen, to bridge that confidence gap.” The initial assessment offered through Retrogreen is free for Ecology borrowers, with discounted rates available for more comprehensive surveying and project management services if borrowers decide to proceed with the retrofit work.

Ecology Building Society is already well-known for incentivising energy efficiency among its borrowers through its innovative C-Change discount scheme. This programme offers mortgage rate reductions of up to 1.50% based on measurable improvements in a property’s energy efficiency. The discount is available to borrowers who improve their homes’ SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) ratings or build to advanced environmental standards, a move aligned with the UK’s broader net-zero goals. This enhanced lending approach aims to reward homeowners not only for energy savings but also for contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.

In addition to the C-Change discount, Ecology offers specific financial incentives within its renovation mortgage deals for the installation of heat pumps—£500 cashback for air source heat pumps and £1,000 for ground source heat pumps. These incentives align with the society’s commitment to promoting renewable heating technologies as a means to reduce carbon footprints.

Recent changes in Ecology's mortgage product range further reflect its green agenda, including the introduction of competitive rates for self-build and eco-home mortgages. The society has recently reduced interest rates on its Self-Build Mortgage product to a variable 5.99% and on its Eco Home Mortgage to 4.90%, the latter targeting homes with an EPC rating of B or above and including a full-term eco home discount of 1.14%. These products, alongside the renovation mortgage and associated C-Change discounts, echo Ecology’s broader strategy to support sustainable housing construction, renovation, and energy efficiency improvements.

Overall, this partnership with Retrogreen enhances Ecology’s commitment to supporting borrowers through every stage of green home improvements, from planning and assessing viable works to finding accredited tradespeople and managing project completion. As the society looks to extend Retrogreen’s accessible services across its wider membership, it strengthens its position as a leading advocate for sustainable, energy-efficient housing within the UK mortgage market.

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Source: Noah Wire Services