Leeds Building Society has announced the launch of a new online tool designed to help members monitor and manage their home energy usage, reduce their environmental impact, and save money.

The tool, developed in collaboration with Energy Saving Trust, offers users tangible solutions to promote energy efficiency and help residential borrowers and landlords to make improvements to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of their home.

Leeds was amongst the first lenders to factor in energy savings when assessing affordability, benefitting mortgage applicants choosing to move into greener homes.

The assessment means that borrowers may be able to access increased affordability on the basis that their energy bills will be lower.

To access the online tool, users must input their postcode, when the home was built, how many people live there, and other information to help create a picture of energy consumption. The tool will then generate personalised advice and practical tips to save money.

Leeds Building Society commercial development manager Richard Rothwell, says: “We hope that this tool will improve the EPC ratings across the UK’s housing stock, meaning that those looking to get onto, or move up, the property ladder can unlock better affordability and get the home they want.”