Help at hand
Thinking of going green, we can inspire and help you as you change to a more energy efficient and sustainable home.
Upgrading to a greener home
No two home energy upgrades are the same and a number of factors will determine the extent of work that will be needed. Insulation is an important factor to get right. It keeps heat in and minimises costs. Think top down — start with the attic, walls, then floors. You might need to look at upgrading doors and windows too if they are older. If you are planning on energy efficiency improvements to your home, you may be eligible to convert your entire mortgage to an AIB Green Mortgage rate. Eligibility requires a valid EPC rating A or B prior to conversion. Finding out the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of the property is a good place to start. The lower the EPC rating, the more work that will be needed to make your home energy efficient.Go to our EPC explained section to find out more.
An extensive home energy upgrade will consider:- Wall, floor and attic insulation.
- Upgrading of windows and doors.
- Renewable energy systems such as solar panels.
- Ventilation Systems.
Buying or living in a new build
Newer built homes are likely to have a higher energy rating than older. But even new builds can benefit from further upgrades. Smart heating controls are a great way to manage energy consumption, track usage and with some systems you can control heating remotely through your smartphones. The EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) of the property will help you to understand where on the energy rating scale your home sits. Go to our EPC Explained section to find out more. If you live in a new build home or are considering buying a new build home with a higher energy rating you could benefit from our Green Mortgage.Heat pumps - need to know
1. Installing a heat pump will help control the heating and cooling of your home efficiently while saving you money on energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint.
2. Air and water heat pumps are the most commonly used in Northern Ireland. They transfer heat to circuits or tanks and then distribute warm water around your home through radiators or underfloor.
3. Older homes may not need to install new radiators, the existing radiators can be used with a new heat pump, but it will depend on the home and condition.
4. For the average Northern Irish home an air source heat pump will cost around £11,000 to install, with potential annual savings of up to £1,300. ” (Source: Energy Saving Trust, 2025)
Solar panels explained
1. By generating renewable energy from the sun, solar panels can help lower your energy bill costs and reduce the need to burn fossil fuels to power electrics and heat our homes.
2. In most cases (depending on the position) solar panels are stored on rooftops. Most of the work takes place outside your home.
3. Generally solar panels installed in domestic settings under certain sizes are exempt from planning, but it is best to seek professional advice on this before beginning work.
4. Solar panels may be a good investment for your home. Current trends indicate that homes with solar panels command higher prices than those without.
Let's take a look at our lower rate green finance options
More ways to go green
Our purpose is empowering people to build a sustainable future
We are building a more sustainable business, transitioning with the reciprocal support of our colleagues, customers and stakeholders in society. We’ve financed greener homes and supported businesses as they transition to become more sustainable. We’ve financed renewable energy projects and tripled our Climate Action Fund to €30 billion.
We are clear about our sustainability reporting, as we believe is an indisputable approach to embed sustainable practices.
Important/Regulatory Information
Before proceeding please take time to read our Site Legal Notice, Privacy and Cookie Statements. By proceeding further you are deemed to have read and accepted these when using our website.
AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the Financial Ombudsman Service.
The AIB logo and AIB (NI) are trade marks used under licence by AIB Group (UK) p.l.c. incorporated in Northern Ireland. Registered Office 92 Ann Street, Belfast BT1 3HH. Registered Number NI018800. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.