The Co-operative Bank has become the latest in a long line of major high-street lenders to offer a so-called 'green mortgage' to its customers.

Developed in conjunction with the Energy Saving Trust, the bank's new product rewards mortgage customers by offering them a special borrowing rate on additional loans intended to be used for green improvements.

Shifting public opinion on greenhouse gas emissions has in recent times pushed energy efficiency to the top of the public consciousness and financial corporations are increasingly looking to win over customers by appealing to their environmental side.

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a simple measure such as installing double glazing can cut the average home's carbon footprint by 740 kg, significantly reducing its contribution to global warming.

Other measures such as loft insulation and cavity wall insulation are also widely touted as being effective ways to combat the growing threat.

The UK's housing stock is currently responsible for about 27 per cent of all CO2 emissions in the country.

© Adfero Ltd

Author:  Joanne McCabe

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