Sustainability loans for UK businesses — fast matches with trusted lenders

Summary: Sustainability loans fund projects that reduce energy use, lower carbon emissions and support low‑carbon transport. Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend — we quickly match UK limited companies with lenders and brokers who specialise in green business finance for projects from £10,000 upwards. Complete a short, no‑obligation enquiry for a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll put you in touch with partners who can provide tailored quotes. Free Eligibility Check

What are sustainability loans?

Sustainability loans (sometimes called green business loans) are commercial finance products designed to fund investments that reduce environmental impact or improve resource efficiency. They commonly cover renewable energy installations, energy‑efficiency upgrades, low‑carbon transport and waste‑reduction projects. Typical uses include solar PV, LED lighting, insulation, heat pumps, EV chargers and specialist equipment that lowers operating carbon.

Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer: we do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Your enquiry is not an application — it’s information we use to match your company with the most suitable lenders and brokers from our panel. Get Quote Now

Why invest in sustainable projects now?

Investing in sustainability can lower ongoing energy and maintenance costs, improve resilience against future energy price rises, and boost your brand with customers and supply chains asking for greener partners. Many UK businesses are also preparing for customer and investor ESG requirements and potential regulation tied to net‑zero targets.

Projects our lenders commonly support

Our lender and broker partners specialise in a broad range of sustainability projects. Common categories include:

• Renewable energy — solar PV, battery storage, small wind, biomass systems. Typical loan sizes: £10,000 to £1m+ depending on scale and security.
• Energy efficiency — LED lighting, insulation, building fabric improvements, efficient boilers and HVAC upgrades. Loans from £10,000 upwards; asset finance often available.
• Clean transport — electric vehicle (EV) fleet purchases, lease finance or charging infrastructure installation. Fleet and equipment finance options available.
• Waste & water — recycling equipment, water recycling systems, process changes that reduce waste and disposal costs.

Each project is different; some lenders will combine loans with grant‑funding advice or staged drawdowns to suit installation schedules.

Sustainability loan options through our panel

We can match you with lenders and brokers who arrange a range of green finance products. Below are high‑level descriptions — exact terms and availability depend on the lender.

Unsecured green business loans

Quick to arrange for stronger credit profiles and smaller projects. Suitable for businesses wanting rapid funding with no property security. Typical terms: 1–5 years; amounts often from £10,000 to £150,000.

Secured loans & commercial mortgages

Longer terms and larger sums when security is available. Often used for building‑scale upgrades or major renewable installations. Terms can extend to 10+ years depending on lender and asset life.

Asset & equipment finance

Hire purchase and leasing for solar, EVs, boilers and other specialist equipment. Repayments structured around the asset lifecycle; can preserve working capital while spreading cost.

Invoice & cashflow finance

For businesses that need to bridge payments while completing sustainability projects — useful when you have supplier invoices or staged contractor payments.

Sustainability‑linked loans

Performance‑based facilities where interest rates can reduce if you meet agreed environmental targets or KPIs. These are suited to firms with measurable sustainability plans.

See Your Loan Options — Free Eligibility Check

How Fast Business Loans works

Our process is designed to be fast and straightforward:

1. Quick enquiry — tell us a few facts about your company, funding need and project (takes around 2 minutes). Your enquiry is not an application.
2. Matching — we select brokers or lenders in our network with relevant experience for your project and share your details with them (with your consent).
3. Rapid contact — selected partners will contact you to discuss options and may request further documentation to prepare quotes.
4. Compare and decide — receive quotes, compare terms and choose the lender or broker you prefer. There is no obligation to proceed.

“We funded a rooftop solar installation in eight weeks by matching the business to a specialist broker.” — case study (anonymised)

Start Your Enquiry — It takes 2 minutes

Preparing for a successful application

Being prepared helps speed the process and improves the chances of a competitive offer. Typical documents and information lenders ask for include:

• Recent management accounts and bank statements (usually 6–12 months).
• Projected cashflow showing loan repayments and expected savings from the project.
• Business plan / project summary and supplier or installer quotes.
• Energy audits, EPCs or carbon reduction assessments (if available).
• Details of security available (assets, property) and existing debt schedule.

Tell your matched broker about any grant applications or tax incentives you’re pursuing — lenders often like to see co‑funding plans. Talk to specialist lenders via a Free Eligibility Check

Eligibility snapshot

Who we can help

We work with UK limited companies and established SMEs looking for business finance for sustainability and low‑carbon projects. We typically arrange funding from £10,000 and upwards.

Typical lender criteria

• Minimum trading history is often 12 months but some partners will consider shorter trading histories with strong backing.
• Turnover and profitability requirements vary by lender and product.
• Credit profile and the viability of the project are important — high‑quality energy savings figures or installer contracts are helpful.

If your business has an unusual structure or limited track record, submit an enquiry so we can find the most suitable partner for your situation. Check Eligibility Now

Costs, rates and repayment terms explained

Rates and fees are set by the lender or broker you choose. Factors that influence pricing include:

• Credit profile of the company and directors (where required).
• Loan size, term and whether security is provided.
• Type, life and resale value of financed assets.
• Project viability and expected efficiency gains — some products reward measurable green outcomes.

Many sustainability‑linked facilities include performance features that may reduce rates if agreed targets are met. Fast Business Loans does not set or guarantee rates — exact terms will be provided by the lender or broker after assessment.

Compare Quotes from Our Panel — Free

Why UK businesses choose Fast Business Loans

• Speed: quick enquiry and fast matching with specialists.
• Sector expertise: partners experienced in sustainability and technical projects.
• Free, no obligation: our service costs you nothing to start.
• Security: we only share your details with relevant partners for matching purposes.
• Range: access to multiple finance routes so you can compare options.

Get Matched Today — Free Eligibility Check

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a sustainability project for loan purposes?

Projects that demonstrably reduce environmental impact or increase resource efficiency — such as renewables, energy efficiency, EV infrastructure and waste reduction — typically qualify. Lenders will want technical and cost information to assess viability. Submit your details for tailored guidance

How quickly can funding be approved and released?

Timelines vary by product and lender. Smaller unsecured or asset finance deals can complete in days to a few weeks; larger secured facilities can take longer. Provide accurate project quotes and documents to speed the process.

Do lenders require proof of environmental impact?

Some lenders require energy audits, EPCs or projected savings for sustainability‑linked products. Performance‑based loans will need monitoring plans and measurable KPIs to unlock rate incentives.

Can loans be combined with grants or tax incentives?

Yes — many projects use a blend of grants, tax incentives (eg. capital allowances) and commercial finance. Tell your matched broker about any grant applications so they can structure appropriate funding packages.

Will submitting an enquiry affect our credit score?

Submitting an initial enquiry through Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders may perform formal credit checks later if you choose to proceed.

What loan amounts are typical for green projects?

We arrange funding from £10,000 upwards. Project sizes commonly range from small equipment finance to multi‑hundred‑thousand pound installations depending on need and security.

What happens after I submit the Fast Business Loans form?

We use your details to match you with lenders or brokers experienced in sustainability finance. A partner may contact you for more information and provide indicative quotes or next steps. There is no obligation to proceed.

Compliance & transparency

Fast Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide lending or regulated financial advice. We aim to be fair, clear and not misleading. Submitting an enquiry is not an application — it allows us to match your business with suitable lenders and brokers who will provide specific terms. Exact eligibility, rates and terms are determined by the lender or broker you deal with. Free Eligibility Check

For more sector resources and guidance on funding green projects, see our sustainability loans hub: sustainability loans.

– What are sustainability loans for UK businesses?
Sustainability loans (green business loans) fund projects that cut energy use or carbon emissions, such as solar PV, LED lighting, heat pumps, EV chargers and waste‑reduction equipment.

– Who is eligible for a sustainability loan?
UK limited companies and established SMEs can apply, with many lenders preferring 12+ months’ trading but some considering shorter histories if the project and backing are strong.

– What types of sustainability finance can I access?
Our partners offer unsecured and secured loans, commercial mortgages, asset and equipment finance, invoice/cashflow facilities, and sustainability‑linked loans tied to environmental KPIs.

– How much can we borrow and over what term?
Funding typically starts from £10,000, with unsecured terms of 1–5 years and secured or asset‑backed options often extending to 10+ years depending on the lender and asset life.

– How quickly can funding be approved and released?
Smaller unsecured or asset finance deals can complete in days to a few weeks, while larger secured facilities usually take longer due to valuations and legal work.

– Will submitting your enquiry affect our credit score?
No—your initial enquiry with Fast Business Loans is not an application and won’t impact your credit score, though chosen lenders may run checks if you decide to proceed.

– What documents do lenders typically require?
Expect recent management accounts and bank statements, project quotes and a cashflow forecast, plus any energy audits/EPCs and details of available security.

– Can sustainability loans be combined with grants or tax incentives?
Yes—many projects blend commercial finance with grants or allowances, and matched brokers can help structure the funding mix.

– How are interest rates and fees determined for green business finance?
Pricing depends on credit profile, loan size/term, security and asset type, and project viability, with some sustainability‑linked facilities reducing rates when KPIs are met.

– Does Fast Business Loans lend money or provide financial advice?
No—we’re an introducer offering a free, no‑obligation matching service that connects UK businesses with trusted lenders and brokers for tailored quotes.