What is a green loan?

A green loan is a type of loan provided by banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions that is specifically intended to fund environmentally friendly projects. This means the money must be used for activities that benefit the environment, such as improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, or supporting renewable energy. Green loans are guided by the Green Loan Principles, developed by the Loan Market Association (LMA). These principles set clear standards to make sure that the borrowed money is used only for genuine environmental purposes, and not for unrelated or misleading projects.

Home & Personal Green Loans at A Glance

Every bank in New Zealand has its own branded version of a green loan, but they all follow the same broad process: prove your project is genuinely eco-friendly, meet normal credit checks, show evidence of purchase, and receive a discounted rate. The government doesn’t fund these loans directly but supports them through energy-efficiency programmes and policy incentives.

Contact Energy Core

Bank & Offer Name

Rate

Max Borrow

Term

ANZ Good Energy Home Loan

1.00% p.a. fixed 3 yrs

Up to $80 k

3 yrs specia

ASB Better Homes Top-Up

1.00% p.a. fixed 3 yrs

Up to $80 k

3 yrs special

BNZ Better Future Top-Up

1.00% p.a. fixed 3 yrs

Up to $80 k

3 yrs special

Westpac Greater Choices Loan

0% interest up to 5 yrs

Up to $50 k

5 yrs

Kiwibank Sustainable Energy Loan

Normal rate + 💰 $2 000 cash bonus

$5 k + (min)

7–10 yrs

Heartland Bank EV Loan

Variable (low promo for EVs)

Based on car price

1–7 yrs

TSB / SBS / Co-op Bank Standard Top-Up

Standard home-loan rate

Case-by-case

Normal

Which Green Loan Is Right for You in 2025 ?

Home energy upgrade
If you’re planning to retrofit your home with solar panels, a heat pump, or an EV charger, ANZ, ASB, or BNZ are your strongest choices because they offer 1% fixed-rate top-ups for up to $80,000 over three years, combining affordability with broad coverage for most household energy projects.

Zero-interest financing
If your priority is to borrow at absolutely no cost, Westpac’s Greater Choices Loan is unmatched, offering 0% interest for up to five years, ideal for moderate projects where you can repay quickly and benefit from a truly interest-free period.

High-quality solar installations
If you want to install a solar system and ensure top workmanship, Kiwibank’s Sustainable Energy Loan stands out, it rewards you with a $2,000 cashback when using certified SEANZ installers, which guarantees long-term reliability even though the rate isn’t discounted.

Electric vehicle purchase
If your goal is to finance an EV or hybrid without tying it to your mortgage, Heartland Bank’s EV Loan is the most practical option, it’s fast, flexible, and tailored for electric vehicles, offering good variable rates for borrowers without property security.

Simple home top-up
If you already have a mortgage and simply want to fund an energy upgrade without extra paperwork, it’s most efficient to top up with your current bank (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, or Westpac), as all of them allow streamlined applications and maintain your existing home loan structure.

Small business sustainability
If you operate a small or medium enterprise investing in energy efficiency or fleet electrification, BNZ or ANZ’s business green loans are best, providing discounted margins on large credit lines (often $1–3 million) with clear sustainability reporting requirements that enhance your environmental credentials.

Green Loan Options in New Zealand: A Comparison of Bank Offers

Although each bank has its own version of a green loan, they all share the same goal, to make sustainable choices more affordable and accessible for households and businesses. The following overview outlines the key features, eligibility criteria, and benefits offered by major New Zealand banks, helping you compare which option best suits your environmental and financial goals.

ANZ Green Loan

bank logo
  • Type:Home-loan top-up for energy & clean transport upgrades, business version also available.
  • Max Borrow: $3,000 – $80,000 (top-up).
  • Interest Rate: Special 3-year fixed rate.
  • Term: Max 30 years; special rate applies first 3 years.
  • Key Conditions:
    • Existing ANZ home-loan customer
    • 20% minimum equity for EVs
    • Invoices/quotes required
    • Works not started before application.
Coverage:

ANZ Personal Loan for energy efficient purchases

ANZ Business Green Loan

Heartland Bank Green Loan - EV Loans

bank logo
  • Type:Vehicle finance with EV-specific product(s) (new EVs often eligible for preferential promotional rates).
  • Max Borrow:Standard vehicle finance limits apply (term typically 1–7 years depending on product). Minimum/maximum depend on the specific product and application.
  • Interest Rate: Interest rates between 8.45% and 12.45% p.a., fixed for the term.
  • Term: 5 years.
  • Key Conditions:
    • 6 months no repayments on EV finance
    • Promotional rates typically apply to new EVs
    • Used EV finance available but may not get promotional pricing
Coverage:

Heartland Bank - EV Loans

Westpack Green Loan

bank logo
  • Type:Home energy efficiency & electric transport.
  • Max Borrow: Up to $50,000 interest-free; business products: amounts vary
  • Interest Rate: 0% interest on up to $50,000 for five years.
  • Term: 5 years for both consumer and business.
  • Key Conditions:
    • Available for new or current Westpac Choices home loan customers.
    • Flexibility to make lump sum payments or pay the loan off earlier without prepayment costs.
    • No establishment fee.
Coverage:

Westpac Greater Choices Home Loan

Westpac Business Sustainability Loan

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need collateral for a green loan?

Most New Zealand green loans are offered as home loan top-ups, meaning your property provides the collateral. If you don’t have a mortgage, some banks and lenders offer unsecured green personal loans, though interest rates are usually higher.

What can I use a green loan for?

Green loans can fund projects that reduce energy use or emissions, such as solar panels, insulation, heat pumps, EVs, water efficiency systems, or home energy upgrades. Eligible uses vary by lender, so always check their approved list.

How do I apply for a green loan?

Start by contacting your bank or lender to confirm eligibility and approved projects. You’ll usually need quotes or invoices from certified installers, proof of ownership, and project details. Once approved, funds are released to pay suppliers directly or as a loan top-up.

Are there government incentives or rebates available?

Yes, there are government incentives available in New Zealand, and one of them is the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme. Also,some councils and energy providers offer local rebates or low-interest sustainability loans. Check with your local council or the EECA for available schemes and grants.