Buildings account for 23% of all UK carbon emissions, and we know mortgages will play a pivotal role in financing the shift to net zero in the private housing sector. And yet, there is still no ‘official’ definition of a ‘green mortgage’.

! There is no formal regulatory definition, and regulatory returns data doesn’t differentiate between ‘green’ and ‘standard’ mortgages.

! In the market, the terms ‘Green’, ‘Sustainable’ and ‘ESG’ are often used interchangeably – despite carrying distinct (if overlapping) meanings.

! There is little consensus on how the various ‘green’ offerings out there can be categorised, nor how these correspond with different sets of consumer needs.

We may not have all the answers, but we believe now is the time to start the discussion.