As individuals working within the low carbon sector, we are keen to hear your feedback about the LENDERS project. It is a key scheme backed by CEW and if it is to achieve its aims it needs support and constructive feedback. 

 The LENDERS project is demonstrating that more accurate fuel cost estimates can be used in mortgage lending decisions that results in lower energy homes being responsibly allowed large mortgages. The project team includes the Nationwide & Principality Building Societies as well as other industry organisations. More information on the project is available here. 

The “Affordability Calculation” currently used by building societies and banks is the Office of National Statistics average fuel bill data, in some cases modified by other factors, to predict a homeowner’s fuel costs. The LENDERS idea is that this forecast can be made more accurate by using data from Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) alongside other information. The project team are reviewing Energy Performance Certificates and utility consumption data at present and will be providing an update on their work at an event in Cardiff later this month. 

The team are also looking at the unintended consequences that such changes to affordability calculations could bring and for this we are interested in your input. 

We would be grateful if you could tell us your thoughts on what the LENDERS project is proposing, either respond by participating in this survey, or by attending in person our free dissemination event in Cardiff on the 27th October.. Here you will be able to join discussions and hear feedback from other installers and assessors. Other delegates will be attending from Welsh Government, housing associations, architectural practices and contractors working in Wales.