July 1 saw the launch of a new Green Loans scheme by the Australian Government. The scheme provides assistance to Australian families interested in installing sustainable technologies, like solar, water saving and energy efficient products.
Under the program all Australian households are eligible to receive a FREE home sustainability assessment and report, which is valued at around $250. This assessment will provide householders with information on where they can make improvements to the sustainability of their home, and where the biggest gains are to be made. You can register now for your free assessment by visiting the Green Loans website or by calling 1800 895 076. Once households have had a sustainability assessment completed they will become eligible to access a subsidy from the Government that will cover the interest on a loan of up to $10,000 over 4 years to implement the actions that were identified in the home assessment report. The household can chose which participating bank, credit union or building society they wish to apply for a loan with.
This is a fantastic opportunity to identify and fund sustainability improvements in the home. It's also worth noting that once the loans scheme becomes operational it still doesn't prevent you from accessing any of the rebates that are currently available, including those for hot water systems, insulation, rainwater tanks and greywater systems.
