ABN AMRO helps homeowners make sustainability improvements without higher monthly costs
- Sustainability
Hans Sjouke Koopal
Sr Press Officer Private Banking, Personal & BB
ABN AMRO is launching a new ‘Beter Wonen’ (Better Home Living) initiative. As a mortgage provider, the bank will actively help clients make their homes more sustainable under the scheme without increasing their monthly costs. Through collaboration with specialised partners, ABN AMRO will handle all practical matters, enabling individual clients to make large-scale sustainability improvements without any hassle. Research conducted in partnership with TNO reveals that every client who participates stands toachieve an average 35% CO₂ reduction.
No less than 60% of Dutch homeowners want to make their homes more sustainable. Yet many are deterred by high costs, lack of confidence in their own abilities and political uncertainty. This not only jeopardises climate targets but also affects movement and affordability in the housing market.
Gitte van Haaren, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on behalf of ABN AMRO Hypotheken Groep: “Many homeowners want to take action but don’t know where to start or how to manage the process. The Beter Wonen initiative makes sustainability accessible and takes the burden off our clients. Additionally, it creates opportunities for first-time buyers: they can purchase homes with a lower energy label at relatively affordable prices and then make them more sustainable without increasing their monthly costs.”
More than just financing
Under the Beter Wonen initiative, ABN AMRO proactively approaches homeowners who qualify to make their homes more sustainable without increasing their monthly costs. The energy savings may exceed the monthly cost of investment, making sustainability improvements affordable and accessible.
What makes Beter Wonen unique is the full support it offers: together with partners ENVEN and DuurzaamXL, ABN AMRO handles all the practicalities, from subsidy applications to installation. Clients have a single point of contact and receive tailored advice, a direct quote and guidance throughout the entire process. Energy bill savings may cover the cost of the improvements, allowing homeowners to benefit from greater comfort and a future-proof home, while their disposable income can remain the same or even improve.
Contributing to a sustainable future together
Sandra Phlippen, Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) at ABN AMRO: “Especially in these uncertain times, it’s good that we can help households live in a comfortable home with lower energy costs. The increase in property value after sustainability improvements is now almost twice as high as the cost of investment. As a major mortgage provider, we want to get sustainability in the housing market moving again, but that’s only possible if people join in. Beter Wonen removes obstacles so they can benefit and join us in shaping a sustainable future."