Sustainability Loans for UK Businesses
Summary: Sustainability loans (also called green business loans) help UK companies finance projects that reduce carbon, cut energy costs or support low‑carbon fleets and equipment. Fast Business Loans doesn’t lend — we match businesses seeking £10,000+ with the right lenders and brokers so you can compare clear options quickly and with no obligation. Complete a Free Eligibility Check to see which providers fit your project.
What are sustainability loans?
Sustainability loans are business finance products designed specifically to fund projects that reduce environmental impact, save energy, or support a low‑carbon transition. Typical projects include solar PV, heat pumps, LED and HVAC upgrades, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, biomass boilers, and circular‑economy investments.
Unlike general-purpose business loans, lenders offering green or sustainability finance may consider specific project savings or grants as part of their assessment. That can improve your project case and speed up lender decisions — but exact terms always depend on the provider and your business profile.
Want to explore options that suit your project and timeframe? Get a Quote Now with a short enquiry.
Why work with Fast Business Loans?
- We match your business to lenders and brokers experienced in sustainability finance, saving you time.
- Our enquiry is free and comes with no obligation — it’s an information form used to find the best matches.
- We help businesses seeking finance from £10,000 upwards and connect you to providers who understand your sector.
- Soft checks: completing our enquiry does not perform a credit search. Lenders may carry out credit checks only if you proceed with an application.
- Fast responses: many of our partners contact eligible businesses within hours during business days.
Please note: Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice; we connect businesses to lenders and brokers who may be able to help. To start, complete a quick Free Eligibility Check.
Funding use cases & impact
Renewable energy installations
Solar PV, wind and biomass installations can be funded through asset finance, green loans or hire‑purchase structures. Many installations pay back through energy bill savings and available incentives.
Energy efficiency & retrofits
LED lighting, insulation, upgraded heating systems and smart building controls typically deliver immediate cost savings. Lenders may accept energy‑audit reports or projected savings as part of the case.
Fleet & logistics upgrades
Electric vehicle (EV) purchases, leasing and charging infrastructure can be funded via vehicle finance, leasing or sustainability loans tailored to fleets looking to reduce emissions and running costs.
Sustainable supply chain & circular projects
Equipment to support recycling, remanufacturing or low‑waste production often qualifies for specialist finance that recognises environmental outcomes.
Not sure which product fits your project? Start with a Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match you to suitable providers.
Eligibility & what lenders assess
Each lender has different criteria, but common assessment points include:
- Minimum loan size — our partners typically consider projects from around £10,000 upwards.
- Business age and trading performance — turnover, recent accounts and management accounts.
- Profitability and cashflow forecasts — to show the business can service repayments.
- Project evidence — quotes, technical specs, energy audits, or supplier contracts help.
- Security — some products require collateral or are secured against assets; others are unsecured.
- Green credentials — documented carbon savings, installation plans or compliance with recognised standards can strengthen the case.
Quick reassurance: submitting our enquiry is non‑binding and does not affect your credit file. If a lender needs to perform a credit search, you’ll be advised before that happens.
Get Started with a short form and see which partners are likely to support your project.
How the Fast Business Loans process works
- Complete a short enquiry — tell us about your business, the amount you need and the project. It takes under 2 minutes.
- We match you — we introduce your details to lenders and brokers best placed to help your sector and project size.
- Receive contact — matched partners will contact you to discuss options, terms and next steps.
- Compare and decide — review proposals and proceed directly with the lender or broker that best suits your needs.
Start the matching process now with a Free Eligibility Check.
Sustainability finance products we can introduce
| Product | Typical amounts | Key features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Business Loans | £10k–£2m+ | Fixed or variable rates, project-specific use | Large installations, building upgrades |
| Asset & Equipment Finance | £10k–£1m | Hire purchase, lease, deferred payments | Solar panels, heat pumps, machinery |
| Vehicle Finance / Leasing | £10k–£500k | Fleet leasing, hire purchase, tailored to EVs | Businesses upgrading fleets to EVs |
| Invoice Finance | From £10k | Unlock working capital tied to invoices | Projects with supplier invoices or staged payments |
| Government‑backed schemes | Varies | Support or guarantees to reduce borrowing cost | Eligible SMEs looking for lower cost finance |
Secured vs unsecured: secured products usually offer more competitive rates for larger sums, while unsecured options are faster and easier to access but may carry higher rates. We’ll match you with partners who explain the trade‑offs clearly.
Costs, terms & considerations
Costs vary by lender, product and your business profile. Indicative points to consider:
- APR ranges differ widely — lenders will provide personalised rates after assessment.
- Arrangement, valuation and legal fees can apply — ask for a full breakdown before you commit.
- Early repayment terms vary — check for penalties if you plan to refinance.
- Factor in total cost of ownership: installation, maintenance and operational savings when comparing offers.
Top tip: always request a representative example and a written schedule of fees from any lender or broker you speak to. If you’d like quick options to compare, start with a Free Eligibility Check.
Preparing a strong enquiry
Gathering the right documents speeds up decisions. Typical checklist:
- Latest management accounts and business bank statements (3–12 months).
- Copies of supplier quotes, equipment specifications and installation plans.
- Energy audit or projected savings report (if available).
- Recent tax returns and company accounts (if requested).
- Details of any existing finance facilities or securities.
If you don’t have everything — that’s fine. Our partners can often work from estimates and supplier quotes initially. Ready to match with lenders who specialise in sustainability projects? Get Started.
Customer safeguards & transparency
We aim to be clear and fair. Key points:
- Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not provide regulated financial advice.
- Your enquiry is used to identify suitable lenders and brokers. You remain under no obligation to proceed.
- We handle your personal and business data securely and share it only with partners relevant to your request. See our privacy policy for full details.
- Any lender or broker you speak to will provide their own terms, fees and credit check approach before a full application.
Success indicators & mini case snapshots
Midlands manufacturer | £250,000 | Biomass boiler
Purpose: Replace gas boiler with biomass. Outcome: Asset finance arranged; estimated energy costs fell by 30% with a 4‑5 year payback period.
South England retailer | £45,000 | Solar & LED retrofit
Purpose: Reduce energy bills and improve ESG credentials. Outcome: Combined asset finance and supplier finance secured; business reported immediate cashflow improvement.
Curious if your project could see similar results? Free Eligibility Check — quick and no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a sustainability project?
Projects that reduce environmental impact or improve resource efficiency: renewable energy, energy efficiency upgrades, EVs and charging, low‑carbon machinery, waste reduction and circular economy initiatives.
How much can I borrow?
Our partners typically consider projects from around £10,000 upwards. Exact limits depend on product and lender criteria.
Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?
No. Submitting our enquiry does not affect your credit score. If you choose to progress, individual lenders or brokers may perform credit checks and will inform you before doing so.
Do you charge a fee?
No. The enquiry service is free for business owners. Fast Business Loans earns a commission from partners when finance completes; you will be told any direct fees by the broker or lender you engage with.
How quickly will I hear from a lender?
Often within hours during business days; it depends on partner availability and the complexity of your request.
Can I get government support or reduced‑cost finance?
Some projects may be eligible for government grants, tax reliefs or schemes that reduce borrowing costs. We can introduce you to partners familiar with UK schemes and incentives.
Ready to explore your options?
If your business is planning a sustainability project and needs finance from £10,000 upwards, we can help you find the best lender or broker matches quickly. Complete a short, free form and get personalised options:
Free Eligibility Check — Get a Quote Now
We’ll only share your details with partners likely to help and you remain under no obligation.
Compliance footnote
Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We do not provide financial advice or lend funds. Finance is subject to status, terms and conditions. Applicants must be 18+ and UK‑based. We aim to be clear, fair and not misleading in all communications.
For more detail on sustainability lending options, also see our pillar guide to sustainability loans.
– What is a sustainability (green business) loan? It’s finance for UK businesses to fund carbon‑reducing or energy‑saving projects, with some lenders assessing projected savings alongside standard criteria.
– What types of projects qualify for sustainability finance? Solar PV, heat pumps, LED and HVAC upgrades, EVs and charging infrastructure, biomass boilers, and circular‑economy or waste‑reduction equipment typically qualify.
– How much can I borrow for a green project? Our partners usually fund from around £10,000 upwards (often to £2m+ for larger installations), subject to product and lender criteria.
– Will completing the Free Eligibility Check affect my credit score? No—submitting our enquiry doesn’t impact your credit score, and any credit checks only occur if you proceed with a lender or broker.
– How fast can I get matched and funded? Many partners contact eligible businesses within hours on business days, with funding timelines ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on the product and documents.
– Do lenders consider projected energy savings or grants in their decision? Yes—specialist green lenders may factor in verified savings projections, energy audits, or grants to strengthen your case.
– What documents help me get a fast decision? Basic business details, supplier quotes/specs, recent accounts or bank statements, and any energy audit or projected savings report are ideal to start.
– What will it cost and what terms should I expect? Rates and fees vary by lender, product and security (secured options are usually cheaper than unsecured), so request a full cost breakdown and early‑repayment terms.
– Are startups or younger businesses eligible for sustainability loans? Some lenders will consider early‑stage businesses for green projects, though stronger documentation, security or guarantees may be required.
– How does Fast Business Loans work and is there any obligation or fee? We’re an introducer that matches UK businesses to suitable sustainability lenders and brokers for free, with no obligation, via a short enquiry (not a full application).
