Pepper Money has launched a new initiative for customers looking to make their homes more energy efficient.

As part of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) focus, the lender is offering customers a free energy efficiency survey, EPC certificate, and tailored action plan.

If the action plan requires expenditure to complete the work, Pepper Money could offer customers a second charge mortgage which could help finance the improvements. For any customers who undertake the suggested works, a second EPC can also be claimed to validate the improvements.

In January, Pepper Money improved its criteria to remove restrictions around properties with solar panels, and last year it launched a partnership with Ecologi, with a commitment to provide ongoing financial support to the organisation to fund its tree planting and carbon reduction activities.

Laurence Morey (pictured), CEO at Pepper Money, said: “At Pepper Money, we understand that we have an active role to play to change the way our industry is impacting our environment. We know this won’t happen overnight but will be the result of many consistent positive changes and helping our customers to better understand the impact they and their properties have on the environment.

“With this in mind, we are really pleased to be able to launch this initiative that offers our customers a free EPC survey, certificate, and action plan. And, of course, we will look to help them finance any work that is required to make their homes more energy efficient with one of our second charge mortgage products.”

Danny Belton, head of lender relationships at Legal & General Mortgage Club, added: “This is a strong statement of intent by Pepper Money, which has recognised the size of the challenge currently facing the industry. By providing free EPCs and an option for customers to borrow to make improvements, this initiative is directly enabling positive outcomes.

“In the long term, this will mean that not only will more customers have an accurate picture of the current state of their property, but also that they will have access to the knowledge and resources they need to make their homes more environmentally efficient.”