Eligible Upgrades: Sustainable Upgrades home loan
Check out the available options and FAQs for the Sustainable Upgrades home and investment loans.
Before you buy and install upgrades
It's important to get independent professional assessments and checks to ensure they’re right for your home and local climate. You can consult with experts like builders, engineers and suppliers. You can also compare different quotes to find the best one for you.
Explore how you could upgrade your home
Discover estimated energy bill reductions with Cogo’s online Home Energy Tool
Cogo’s Tool quickly estimates the energy efficiency of a comparable home to yours.
In minutes, get energy-efficient upgrade suggestions and information on:
- Typical upgrade costs
- Estimated energy bill reductions, and
- Potential rebates
Energy-efficiency: What type of upgrades can I make?
You could manage your energy consumption, with a choice of 10 eligible upgrades. Remember to do your own research and gather quotes before applying for a Sustainable Upgrades home or investment loan.
Eligibility criteria
- Purchased from a New Energy Tech (NET) Approved Seller under the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC); and
- Installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer; and
- Solar panels listed under the Clean Energy Council (CEC) list of approved solar modules
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make and model of the solar panels; and
- Their company name; and
- The installer's SAA accreditation number and full name; and
- The property address for the installation
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make and model of the solar panels; and
- Their company name; and
- The installer's SAA accreditation number and full name; and
- The property address for the installation
You can also use Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) to supplement the information above.
Eligibility criteria
- Purchased from a New Energy Tech (NET) Approved Seller under the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC); and
- Installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer; and
- Inverters listed under the Clean Energy Council (CEC) list of approved inverters
NOTICE: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published a recall of Sigenergy single phase 8/10/12kW Energy Controllers with quick-connect AC plugs (requiring ferrules and crimping)
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make and model of the inverter; and
- Their company name; and
- The installers SAA accreditation number and full name; and
- The property address for the installation
NOTICE: Due to a known product recall, if you are purchasing a Sigenergy single phase 8/10/12kW Energy Controller, you must provide written confirmation that your supplier has confirmed the product is the new model with an OT terminal-style AC connection. For more information, please refer here.
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make and model of the inverter; and
- Their company name; and
- The installer's SAA accreditation number and full name; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
You can also use Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) to supplement the information above.
Eligibility criteria
- Listed under the Clean Energy Council (CEC) list of approved batteries; and
- Purchased from a New Energy Tech (NET) Approved Seller under the New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC); and
- Installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer.
NOTICE: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published a recall of Sigenergy single phase 8/10/12kW Energy Controllers with quick-connect AC plugs (requiring ferrules and crimping)
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make and model of the solar batteries; and
- Their company name; and
- The installer's SAA accreditation number and full name; and
- The property address for the installation
NOTICE: Due to a known product recall, if you are purchasing a Sigenergy single phase 8/10/12kW Energy Controller, you must provide written confirmation that your supplier has confirmed the product is the new model with an OT terminal-style AC connection. For more information, please refer here.
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make and model of the solar panels (and inverter, if applicable); and
- Their company name; and
- The installer's SAA accreditation number and full name; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
Eligibility criteria
- Listed under the Clean Energy Regulator register of solar water heaters ; and
- Installed by a licensed tradesperson
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make and model of the solar hot water system; and
- Their company name and trades' license number; and
- The property address for the installation
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make and model of the solar hot water system; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
Eligibility criteria
- Listed under the Clean Energy Regulator register of air source heat pumps; and
- Installed by a licensed tradesperson
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make and model of the hot water heat pump; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- Make and model of the hot water heat pump; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
Eligibility criteria
- Installed by a licensed tradesperson ; and
- Air conditioners (not ducted) with:
- Minimum 4kw cooling capacity
- Minimum 4-star cooling rating
- Minimum 3.5-star heating rating
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make, model, cooling capacity and star ratings of the air conditioner; and
- Their company name and trades' license number; and
- The property address for the installation
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make, model, cooling capacity and star ratings of the air conditioner; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
Eligibility criteria
- Installed by an Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) Certified Insulation Installer; and
- Meets the following minimum thermal performance:
- Walls: R2.5 (R1.8 for WA)
- Underfloor: R2.5
- Ceilings: R4 for NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, WA / R5 for ACT, TAS
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The insulation product’s R-value; and
- Their company name and trades' license number; and
- The property address for the installation
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The insulation product’s R-value; and
- Their company name and trades' license number; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
Eligibility criteria
- Must have a maximum Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) U-value of 4.0; and
- Installed by an accredited Australian Glazing and Window Association (AGWA) member.
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make, model and WERS U-value of the double-glazed windows; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make, model and WERS U-value of the double glazed windows; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
Eligibility criteria
- It is installed by a licensed electrician; and
- Level 2 EV Charger:
- Purchased from a New Energy Tech (NET) Approved Seller under the NET Consumer Code, or
- Bought as part of an electric vehicle purchase.
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make, model and level of the EV charger; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make, model and level of the EV charger; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
Eligibility criteria
- Minimum 6-star energy label rating; and
- Installed by a licensed electrician
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make, model and energy label rating of the pool pump; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make, model and energy label rating of the pool pump; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
Eligibility criteria
- Induction cooktop; and
- Installed by a licensed electrician
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make and model of the induction cooktop; and
- Their company name and trades' license number; and
- The property address for the installation
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- The make and model the induction cooktop; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
Climate-resilience: What type of upgrades can I make?
Eligible products
- Flooring system with non-combustible materials
- External walls with non-combustible or fire-resistant material
- Roofing with non-combustible materials, sealant and coating: Tiles, sheets and covering accessories, framing, external finishes and insulation; full sark sheet; tiled roofs
- Window fixings: non-combustible window frame; metal flyscreens or shutters; toughened glass in window glazing; fire rated window
- Doors built with non-combustible material or solid timber
- Doors with metal screens or bushfire shutters
- Fully framed glazed doors with the frames constructed of a bushfire-resisting timber
- Weather strips
- Draught excluders, or draught seals
- Fencing within 1.5m of the property using non-combustible materials, like cement fibre, metal, chain link or stone
Must be:
- Installed by a licensed tradesperson; and
- Installed in line with National Construction Code (NCC) guidelines; and
- Non-combustible as defined under the NCC 2022 Volume 2 Class 1 building. A list of materials that fall within the definition of ‘non- combustible’ are listed in the NCC 2022: Part C2D10 subsection (5) and (6)
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- Upgrade details (where applicable) including make and model; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- Upgrade details (where applicable) including make and model; and
- Their company name and trades' license number; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
Eligible products
- Raise above flood levels: Air condition condenser units, electrical systems and switchboard (including data and electrical points), hot water unit and water tank
- Separate circuits with breakers on upper and lower levels
- Solid core, aluminium, glass or corrosion resistant doors, frames, and windows
- Permeable garage doors
- Flush door thresholds, including removing all thresholds that obstruct drainage and discharge of flood waters
- Sealing frames to building fabric
Must be:
- Installed by a licensed tradesperson; and
- Installed in line with National Construction Code (NCC) guidelines; and
- Water resistant, as defined in NCC 2022, means: The property of a system or material that restricts water movement (won’t degrade under conditions of moisture)
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- Upgrade details (where applicable) including make and model; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- Upgrade details (where applicable) including make and model; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
Eligible products
- Solid core doors, drop bolts and heavy-duty hinges to withstand wind loads
- Windows for improved wind rating (including water penetration performance), including window seals and configuration of weep holes
- Cyclone screens or shutters over windows to protect from debris
- Over batten roofing system
- Replace rusted or rotten structures (e.g. a rotten timber batten)
Must be:
- Installed by a licensed tradesperson; and
- Installed in accordance with National Construction Code (NCC) guidelines
Evidence when applying
Provide a quote from your supplier or installer, showing:
- Upgrade details (where applicable) including make and model; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation
Evidence for payment
Request payment from your loan, by signing and sending us the tax invoice from your supplier or installer, showing:
- Upgrade details (where applicable) including make and model; and
- Their company name and trades’ license number; and
- The property address for the installation; and
- Confirmation that the upgrade has been successfully installed at the property
FAQs
No. The maximum loan amount is $50,000. If your eligible sustainable upgrades exceed this amount, you’ll need to cover the difference using your own funds.
Only one Sustainable Upgrades loan is available for a property.
Book an appointment with a lender. You may still qualify for approval if your invoice is yet to be paid.
If an upfront deposit is required, you'll need to pay this amount from your own funds. When your loan is open and you’ve received the final invoice, please send it to us to request payment. Once it is approved for payment, we’ll reimburse you for any deposit paid showing on the invoice, and then pay your supplier or installer the outstanding balance.
Things you should know
Conditions, credit criteria, fees and charges apply. Residential lending is not available for Non-Australian Resident borrowers.
This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your personal objectives, circumstances and needs into account. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.
Taxation considerations contained in this article (on this page) are general in nature. They do not take into account your personal circumstances and they should not be interpreted or used as tax advice or a tax guide. You should seek independent tax advice to determine the appropriate tax consequences relevant to your circumstances before making any decision based on this information.
1Cogo: The Home Energy Efficiency Tool (the Tool) is offered by Cogo and not Westpac Banking Corporation (Westpac). The Home Energy Efficiency Tool is not exclusive to Westpac customers. Use of the Tool is not required to apply for a Sustainable Upgrades Home or Investment Loan.
By accessing Cogo's Tool, you will enter a third-party site not owned by Westpac. Any personal information you provide to Cogo's website will be collected, used and disclosed in accordance with Cogo's Privacy Policy, also available on their website.
Cogo is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided by the Tool. Westpac gives no representation, warranty, or guarantee (including as to the quality, accuracy or completeness) of the information. You can access Cogo’s disclaimer on their website.
Westpac has paid Cogo a fee for the provision of the Home Energy Efficiency Tool. Cogo is not a referral partner of Westpac for consumer credit, including in relation to the Sustainable Upgrades Home Loan (SUHL). Westpac does not and will not pay or receive any commissions to or from Cogo for customers who take up the SUHL. Cogo will not provide any credit assistance to Westpac customers.
You should carefully consider whether the information provided by Cogo is suitable for your situation. We recommend seeking independent professional assessments and obtaining quotes to ensure the upgrades are appropriate for your home and local climate before making any changes.