New independent research from AIB has revealed that an overwhelming majority of consumers in Northern Ireland (90%) consider having an energy efficient home to be important.
Over three quarters of people surveyed (78%) also said they would consider a Green Mortgage if it offered them a low interest rate. However, at the same time, only one in five consumers (21%) are aware of how to check their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), required to avail of a Green Mortgage, meaning they could be losing out on hundreds of pounds in savings each year.
Conducted on behalf of AIB by research agency FN Research, the in-depth survey examines consumers’ attitudes and behaviours towards sustainability at home. It finds that consumers in Northern Ireland are savvy when it comes to going ‘green’ at home, with 80% motivated to save money on household bills.
Speaking about the findings, Roisin Keenan, Head of Homes Northern Ireland at AIB said: “Given the growing climate emergency it’s encouraging to see such a strong appetite among households to be more energy efficient, particularly among younger adults, and as a bank we’re keen to support these ambitions. Sustainability is at the heart of our business which is why we are helping our customers fight climate change through innovative products and services like our new Green Mortgage.”
“The research reveals that the vast majority (99%) of consumers are already trying to do their part, by saving energy at home through a variety of measures, however, it also reveals that people want more information on how to be energy efficient and support towards the installation of energy efficient elements in their homes. They also are interested in financial products that promote and reward energy efficiency.”
AIB’s Green Mortgage launched in September 2020 and is open to those buying a home, or those who already have a mortgage loan with the bank and whose property has an EPC rating in the energy bands A or B, subject to criteria.
Although an EPC is a legal requirement if selling or renting a home, just over half (55%) of respondents have heard of the certification.
Keenan added “A good first step towards becoming more energy efficient at home is to find out how the property is performing in the first place. Surprisingly 79% don’t know how to check their EPC rating, which can be easily found online by entering the property’s postcode on a government website. With this information, people can then look to avail of products like our Green Mortgage which offer low rates for those whose property has an EPC rating of either an A or B.”
To celebrate those who embrace energy efficiency at home, AIB has also partnered with Trees on the Land, an initiative working to establish young native trees across the island of Ireland.
This means that for every Green Mortgage drawn down, AIB will plant ten trees in Northern Ireland. It also comes with no application or booking fee, and first time buyers or mortgage switchers will receive a free valuation.