Under this initiative, the CEFC is injecting an additional $125 million to support CommBank's Green Home Offer. This program provides discounted mortgage rates to borrowers who construct or renovate homes to meet the 'Green Star' Home Standard set by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). Eligible properties include those certified under the 'Green Star' standard and others that align with GBCA and CEFC criteria, even if not officially certified.
Notably, the discounted rate applies to the entire home loan, encompassing all funds used for green upgrades. This approach ensures that homeowners benefit from reduced rates across their entire mortgage, not just the portion allocated for sustainability improvements.
In addition to mortgage incentives, CommBank has introduced new personal loan discounts for customers financing eligible sustainable purchases. These include investments in electric vehicles, solar panels, and battery storage systems. Furthermore, the CommBank Green Loan offers a low fixed interest rate for amounts up to $20,000, repayable over ten years without setup, monthly service, or early repayment fees.
Michael Baumann, CommBank's Executive General Manager for Home Buying, emphasized the bank's dedication to supporting customers in reducing their environmental impact. He highlighted that energy-efficient homes not only benefit the environment but also lead to significant cost savings and improved well-being for homeowners.
CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership aims to promote resilient homes and assist homeowners in managing rising energy costs. He noted that discounted green home offers are effective tools for reducing emissions and energy consumption, contributing to a sustainable future.
