Green Loans Programme for Households

The Green Loans programme was announced by the Australian Government in May 2008 as part of its Climate Change Budget. The programme combined low-interest loans of up to AUD10 000, a green reward to the value of AUD 50, as well as detailed household sustainability assessments. The Loans component was removed from 22 March 2010. The AUD 50 Green Reward is being provided to households who had assessments undertaken up until 11 May 2010 (approximately 300,000 households). Homeowners looking to save energy and water had access to a qualified assessor to evaluate their current energy and water use. The assessors then provided a report tailored to that household on the best ways of reducing energy and water use. The advice was ranked in order of a combination of environmental benefit and operational cost savings. Prior to 22 March 2010 the green loans helped households undertake measures suggested by the assessment. The loans were made available through partnering financial institutions. On 21 December 2010, the Government announced that the Green Loans program would be extended to 28 February 2011 and would then terminate.