Program aims to help homeowners improve energy efficiency, cut costs, and support net-zero target
ING has become the first Australian bank to participate in the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) trial for existing homes, the company has announced.
The trial, led by the Australian government and supported by the CSIRO, aims to help homeowners understand their energy consumption, identify cost-effective upgrades, and cut energy bills.
From mid-February, selected ING customers applying to refinance or top up their mortgage may be invited to join the program. The trial is being conducted in partnership with property valuation firms Herron Todd White and Opteon.
NatHERS has long provided energy ratings for new homes and major renovations. The new pilot will extend the scheme to existing homes, offering homeowners a chance to reduce energy use, improve thermal performance, and contribute to Australia’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
“We want to empower Australians to take control of their home energy use and be able to make informed decisions about upgrades and appliances that will deliver lasting cost-of-living relief,” said Josh Wilson (pictured above left), assistant minister for climate change and energy.
Wilson noted that residential properties account for about 25% of electricity consumption and over 10% of emissions nationwide.
“Extending the long-standing and trusted NatHERS to existing homes will give Australians who live in older residences the opportunity to improve the energy efficiency and climate resilience of their homes – to reduce energy costs, improve household health and comfort, while also helping to reduce emissions,” he said.
George Thompson (pictured above right), head of home loans at ING, stressed the bank’s commitment to reducing household carbon emissions during the announcement of ING’s participation as in the NatHERS trial.
🌱 We're proud to announce our participation as the first bank in the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) trial for existing homes.
— ING Australia (@ING_Aust) February 25, 2025
Read more: https://t.co/z0TxoAky8R pic.twitter.com/DnvfvYqHrl
“Household emissions are a major contributor to Australia’s carbon footprint,” Thompson said. “We see this trial as a leap forward in helping to remove the complexities and confusion that can come with retrofitting your home. With the knowledge gained through this trial, customers will have a better indication of what home improvements to prioritise to deliver the best energy efficiency and cost outcomes.”
The trial will test tools and methods for rating the energy performance of existing homes before a national rollout scheduled for mid-2025.
Each energy assessment will take place alongside the property valuation process, with on-site data collection expected to take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the home’s size and complexity. Participants will receive a trial certificate indicating their home’s energy rating, along with recommendations on potential upgrades to improve performance.
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