The Ecology Building Society have launched an updated C-Change sustainable homes scheme, offering interest rate discounts of up to 1.25% on mortgages for homes that meet recognised energy standards. The new scheme gives pride of place to homes built using the Passivhaus method – an internationally recognised standard for low energy buildings.

The C-Change sustainable homes discounts include the new EnerPHit standard, which has been developed for retrofits (energy efficient refurbishments) using Passivhaus principles. The Society has also increased its maximum loan-to-value on residential and shared ownership properties to 90%, to enable it to support more people to build, buy or renovate sustainably.

The launch comes at a time of increasing concern over high energy costs and fuel poverty, with the government’s Green Deal scheme seeking to incentivise homeowners to increase the energy efficiency of their properties. C-Change sustainable homes also offers discounts for properties achieving an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B or above, EcoHomes Very Good or Excellent, Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 and above, and AECB Silver and Gold.

You can find out more about C-Change sustainable homes here.