Trade bodies launch new broker handbook on green homes

A new broker handbook on green home retrofit and technologies has launched to support brokers in their conversations with clients on improving home energy efficiency.

The handbook is a joint venture led by the Green Finance Institute (GFI) in collaboration with the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), Building Societies Association (BSA), Energy Saving Trust, Equity Release Council, the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA), UK Finance, and L&G Mortgage Club in association with cross-industry partnership Mortgage Climate Action Group (MCAG).

Rising energy bills and the impacts of climate change are fast becoming priority concerns for homeowners, and clients are increasingly likely to ask energy efficiency-related questions during the mortgage advice process.

The handbook aims to give advisers the tools and information to have better conversations with clients about the options available and factors to consider – even if they don’t have all the answers. It is due to be published later today on the Green Finance Institute website.

The handbook is officially accredited as structured CPD by The London Institute of Banking and Finance, and AMI is in ongoing talks with the education provider on how to further enhance broker education on this topic. AMI also launched a new website last year – greenmortgageadvice.uk – to provide an information hub for brokers on green home finance and host webinars run by members of the Mortgage Climate Action Group. This will be developed further as the product and policy environment evolves.

Robert Sinclair, AMI chief executive, said: “This isn’t about advisers becoming retrofitting experts or energy consultants – we don’t expect mortgage intermediaries to start advising on heat pumps and solar panels. But we do need them to be aware of the solutions, because it’s not going away and our customers will need help.

"As temperatures and sea levels rise, more consumers are going to want reliable, high-quality information on reducing their carbon footprint. Mortgage intermediaries have a unique opportunity to be at the heart of the conversation, and alert consumers to the various aspects of home energy efficiency they may need to consider.

"We have been here before in the buy-to-let world where we talked about using limited company solutions without becoming tax advisers. We adapted then, it’s time to adapt now. It may not seem like a priority today, but this will grow quickly. Mortgage advisers can’t afford to be left behind.”