Westpac has become the first major Australian bank to partner with the federal government in a new initiative aimed at helping homeowners reduce energy bills through improved home efficiency.
Revolutionizing real estate: Mortgage transformation, new business models and home ownership ecosystems
Supporting energy-efficient living
The bank is participating in a national trial to expand the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) to existing homes. Originally launched in 1993 for new builds and major renovations, NatHERS provides households with energy ratings that highlight cost-effective upgrades to enhance comfort and cut energy use.
Exclusive access for select customers
Starting this week, select Westpac customers applying to refinance or top up their home loans may be invited to join the trial. Participants will receive a free home energy assessment from a certified assessor, along with a detailed rating certificate outlining areas for improvement.
“Westpac has been an advocate for the expansion of the NatHERS scheme to include existing homes, and we’re proud to be the first major Australian bank to participate,” said James Hutton, Westpac’s Managing Director of Mortgages. “Our partnership will expand the reach of the program to more Australians seeking to make sustainable choices.”
Paving the way for a greener future
The trial is being run in collaboration with the Australian Government, the CSIRO, and property valuer Opteon. It aims to gather key insights that will support a broader rollout of home energy ratings for existing properties, scheduled to launch in mid-2025.
“This collaboration will not only help improve energy efficiency, it will also help our customers understand how they can reduce household energy bills,” Hutton added.
Through this initiative, Westpac is empowering homeowners to make smarter, greener choices—benefiting their budgets and the environment alike.
