Home sustainability assessment

Green Loans

Overview

The Green Loans program offers households across Australia access to a free home sustainability assessment and report. The report recommends specific changes that can help you to save money, energy and water.

As of close of business on 22 March 2010, interest-free loans are no longer being offered under the Green Loans program. On 8 July 2010 it was announced that the Green Loans Program would transition into a new Green Start Program. However, eligible householders can still access a free home sustainability assessment.

Key eligibility

To apply for a free home sustainability assessment:

• you must be an Australian citizen
• you must have an income of $250,000 or less
• the home being assessed must be the principal place of residence for a household.

Homeowners, landlords and renters may be eligible to apply for the assessments. A number of other conditions apply. Check your eligibility on the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website.

Items covered

The Green Loans home sustainability assessment is free and involves a qualified assessor inspecting your home. The assessor will advise on the most effective changes for your house to help reduce energy and water bills. The home sustainability assessment will involve an inspection of your major energy and water systems, heating and cooling, lighting, refrigeration, cooking and entertainment. The assessor will also examine water efficiency both indoors and outdoors and also look at your waste management. This information is entered into an assessment tool to calculate your environmental impact and provide suggestions for improvement.

Green Rewards

If you received a home sustainability assessment on or before 11 May 2010 you will be eligible for a $50 Green Rewards. This can be used for energy and water-efficiency products such as fluorescent lamps, water-efficient showerheads, door and window seals and compost bins. You are not restricted to items recommended in your Home Sustainability Assessment report. You can see a full list of the approved items under Green Rewards.

An accredited assessor for the Green Loans program must have visited your home to conduct their assessment on or before 11 May 2010. You will be eligible for the Green Rewards even if the assessment report arrives after that date.

If you are eligible, you will be sent a Green Rewards declaration form after 30 June 2010. You will need to attach your receipts for purchased items and reply to the Green Loans team. When your form is processed you will receive a payment into your nominated bank account.

Next steps

To take the next step, make sure you understand the Green Loans Program guidelines before ringing the hotline on 1800 895 076 to book your free home assessment.

Your home sustainability assessment report will let you know the most effective changes for your home. This advice may range from small and easy changes such as changing light globes, to major investments such as a solar hot water system or photovoltaic panels.

Other assistance

You may be eligible for other rebates and assistance from your state government and the Australian Government.

Your local government may also have programs to help you with living greener. Contact your local council directly to find out what assistance you may be eligible for.