The Mortgage Climate Action Group (MCAG) has launched its new website along with a HSBC-backed industry training programme.
Established in April 2022, The MCAG helps intermediaries to address green issues involved in mortgage applications and consists of several member firms, including Legal & General, Sesame Bankhall Group and SimplyBiz Mortgages.
In collaboration with MCAG and the Green Finance Institute, the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has launched a dedicated website (www.greenmortgageadvice.uk) to help inform intermediaries and their customers about the journey they can embark upon to improve their properties’ green credentials.
The website will clarify exemptions, limits of expenditure, and the short-, medium-, and long-term implications for the property market, and covers subtopics including infrastructure, new technology, financing, and how to ensure improvements are recognised and recorded.
Richard Merrett, head of strategic development at SimplyBiz Mortgages, said: “The last few weeks have added a layer of cost and complexity to our market.
“Whilst the Green agenda will not address rising mortgage rates, the current challenges consumers are facing on rising costs-of-living do emphasise the need for savings on energy costs and planning for longer-term sustainability.
“Providing advisers with more information on this important long-term topic for all of our futures, will save them time and effort in addressing this so they can focus on the other immediate challenges.”
In support of the MCAG’s sustainability goals, HSBC has designed three training modules which explore sustainability, net zero, and how we can transition to a zero-carbon economy.
This training is available on the new website to anyone from the industry and applicable for anyone interested in the climate change issue and wanting to learn more.
Kevin Roberts, managing director at Legal & General Mortgage Services, added: “Further support for the climate emergency cannot come fast enough.
“As one of the biggest contributors to UK carbon emissions, it’s only right that the housing market doubles down on its efforts to reduce energy consumption – rapidly rising energy bills only increases this urgency.
“We are delighted to have welcomed other leading firms since launching in April and urge others to join us on our mission. We cannot afford to let our focus on the climate emergency slip during this turbulent period for our market and economy.”
