ANZ has today announced it has joined the Australian Government's trial of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) for existing homes.
NatHERS provides energy ratings that help Australian households better understand their home's energy performance, as well as identifying opportunities for upgrades that will reduce energy bills and improve the overall comfort of their home.
Previously only available for new dwellings, in 2023, it was announced that the scheme would extend to existing homes from mid-2025. The trial will focus on gaining insights to help with a smooth roll-out at launch.
ANZ is commencing the trial in collaboration with the Australian Government, Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, and property valuation firms, Opteon & Herron Todd White.
Under the trial, select ANZ customers applying to refinance or top up their mortgage will be invited to take part and will receive a free home energy rating trial certificate, helping them to identify where efficiencies and cost-savings can be made.
ANZ Managing Director, Home Loans, Shannon McMahon, said: "We know that both energy and cost savings are top of mind for many of our customers, and so we're thrilled to be part of this trial that will help more Australian households to make energy-efficient choices while also saving on their energy bills."
"This program will help to create more sustainable and comfortable homes for Australians and so naturally we wanted to give our customers the opportunity be among the first Australian homeowners to access it."
Participation in the trial is another part of ANZ's ongoing commitment to shaping a world where people and communities thrive.
Anthony Wright, CSIRO Group Leader, said: "I am delighted that ANZ has joined the NatHERS trials for existing homes. CSIRO has been developing energy rating software for more than 40 years and we know that targeted home energy efficiency upgrades make financial sense. ANZ's participation helps bring the benefits of home energy ratings to everyone, not just the new home builders."
About NatHERS and the NatHERS for existing homes trial: NatHERS has provided energy performance ratings for new Australian homes for decades, and the Australian Government has committed to expanding the Scheme to provide energy assessments for existing homes. To ensure these ratings are fit for purpose, trials are testing the tools and processes to ensure NatHERS for existing homes delivers reliable, consistent and comparable ratings.
