Airbnb has launched its sustainable hosting plan, which includes a £1 million fund to support energy efficiency improvements.
Airbnb will work with Energy Saving Trust to provide a personalised home energy efficiency check and action plan for all its hosts, including information about potential steps they can take to improve the efficiency of their home. Hosts interested in making improvements will be connected to local installers and receive a grant of £1,000, or £3,000 if they are a Superhost and apply before the 31st of January, towards their renovation bill.
Amanda Cupples, General Manager for Northern Europe at Airbnb, said:
More than a third of hosts across the UK say they host to afford the rising cost of living. In the face of rising energy bills, we want to support hosts further by helping them with energy efficiency improvements and bringing their bills down in the long-term. Getting started with energy efficiency improvements can seem a challenge so our Sustainable Hosting Plan will provide hosts with the backing to take the first step and make positive changes.
Inga Jirgensone, Group Head of Business Development at Energy Saving Trust, said:
Improving the energy efficiency of our homes and switching to low carbon heating systems is the quickest way to reduce energy costs both now and for the long term. These steps are also crucial in reducing carbon emissions as the UK transitions to net zero. We know the value of tailored advice to help people approach retrofitting and to ensure the best outcome for investment. We look forward to working with Airbnb to help develop a more sustainable future for Hosts.
Linda Ayanwale is a Superhost from London and plans to apply for the scheme. She said:
I bought my property with hosting in mind and share a space in the loft to help cover some of my mortgage repayments. My property is rated D for energy efficiency and is poorly insulated so there is space to make improvements. I want to add better insulation and plan to apply for the grant from Airbnb to help with the costs.
The grant from Airbnb can be used alongside existing government schemes for energy generation and efficiency improvements to maximise returns, including the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
