It can generate personalised advice and practical tips to improve the property’s energy performance
Leeds Building Society has launched a new online tool designed to help residential borrowers and landlords to make improvements to the energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of their property.
Developed in collaboration with environmental organisation Energy Saving Trust, the tool aims to help the mutual’s members monitor and manage their home energy usage, reduce their environmental impact, and save money.
To utilise the online tool, users only need input their postcode, when the home was built, how many people live there, and other information to help create a picture of energy consumption. The tool will then generate personalised advice and practical tips to save money and contribute to a greener planet.
The lender said that with pressure on landlords mounting, the launch of the tool would be welcome news to those concerned with the impact of the government’s EPC targets on their rental portfolio as they would also be offered tangible advice to help improve energy efficiency and meet new regulatory requirements.
Leeds Building Society claims to be among the first lenders in the UK to factor in energy savings when assessing affordability, meaning borrowers may be able to access increased affordability on the basis that their energy bills will be lower.
“At Leeds Building Society, we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment,” stated Richard Rothwell (pictured), commercial development manager at Leeds Building Society. “Working in partnership with the Energy Savings Trust, we are proud to launch this new tool which will empower our members, providing them with the knowledge and resources to improve their home’s EPC rating.
“We hope that this tool will improve the EPC ratings across the UK’s housing stock, meaning that those looking to get onto, or move up, the property ladder can unlock better affordability and get the home they want.”
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