The $125 million investment by Australian Government-owned Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) will support CommBank’s Green Home Offer to help cut emissions and improve energy efficiency in new and renovated homes.

CommBank’s Green Home Offer initially launched in May 2022 to provide customers access to a low standard variable home loan rate if the home meets eligible sustainability and energy efficiency requirements. 

Since its introduction, a number of banks and non-bank lenders have followed suit, with the likes of NAB offering home loan discounts up to 1.00% p.a. on home loans, loans.com.au offering discounts on solar home loans and Suncorp Bank providing variable rate discounts on eco-friendly home improvements.

CommBank Executive General Manager Home Buying Michael Baumann said the bank was committed to rewarding new and existing customers who are taking actionable steps to reduce their environmental footprint.

“We know homes that are well built and are energy efficient are good for the environment, whilst also significantly reducing living costs and improving the wellbeing of homeowners,” Dr Baumann said.

“This sort of upfront investment is proving compelling in particular with the current increase of energy costs, which impacts the cost of living.”

In the past week, electricity provider Energy Australia increased energy costs by up to 14.1% or an average of $301 per year for residential households and 12.5% or an average of $641 for small-to-medium businesses. 

CEFC Head of Debt Markets Richard Lovell noted the further development of the green home loan market in Australia demonstrates growing consumer demand for energy efficient homes. 

“Expanding the green home loan program in Australia’s banking sector while continuing to strengthen sustainability requirements gives customers an accessible solution to reduce their carbon footprint,” Mr Lovell said. 

CommBank’s Green Home Offer is available to customers who build or renovate to meet the ‘Green Star’ Home Standard requirements established by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

In addition, customers with eligible homes that meet criteria developed by CommBank with the GBCA and CEFC, but are not certified under ‘Green Star’ standards, are also eligible.

CommBank Green Home Offer eligibility

Customers may be eligible for the Green Home Offer if their home meets one of the following two options:

Option 1: 

MeetsGreen Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Green Star Home standard.

Option 2: 

Meets all the following criteria. 

Criteria

  • Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) = 7 stars or greater. 
  • Heat pump hot water system.
  • Home electrified, no gas.
  • Solar PV equivalent to the below:
    • Up to 150 sqm: 5.5 kWe
    • 150-250 sqm: 7.5k We
    • 250-350 sqm: 10 kWe

Documents to provide before formal approval

  • GBCA ‘By Design’ certificate (Available through a GCBA-certified volume home builder)
  • Statutory declaration.
  • Accredited NatHERS Design Rating Certificate (if available).
  • Statutory declaration.

Documents to provide before funding approval

  • GBCA ‘As Built’ certificate.
  • Accredited NatHERS 7 Star Certificate.
  • Solar PV invoice installed by CEC accredited installer.
  • Heat pump hot water invoice per approved product list attached.