Why sustainable investment can’t wait

Energy costs, regulatory pressure and customer expectations are all pushing UK businesses to invest in low‑carbon technologies. Many sustainability projects also deliver measurable cost savings — for example, solar or LED upgrades typically reduce energy bills and operating costs, improving long‑term cash flow. Accessing the right finance can make the difference between delaying a project and delivering rapid savings and carbon reductions.

Ready to explore options? Start your Free Eligibility Check and we’ll match your business to suitable lenders and brokers.

What counts as a sustainability business loan?

Sustainability business finance covers borrowing for projects that reduce environmental impact or improve ESG performance. Examples include:

• Renewable energy installations (solar PV, biomass, anaerobic digestion)
• Energy efficiency measures (LED lighting, insulation, HVAC upgrades)
• Low‑emission vehicle fleet upgrades and EV charging infrastructure
• Sustainable building fit‑outs and certifications (BREEAM, LEED)
• Sustainability‑linked loans tied to agreed ESG targets

Different lenders use different definitions. Some loans are project‑specific (green project finance), others are sustainability‑linked working capital or asset finance. If you’re unsure which fits your project, our matching service will connect you with specialists who can advise on the typical routes to market.

Get Started Free Eligibility Check

Funding use cases & project examples

Renewable energy installations

A medium‑sized manufacturing site installs a 200 kWp solar array to reduce grid energy spend and cut carbon. Finance typically covers installation costs with terms matched to expected energy savings.

Energy efficiency and plant upgrades

Warehouse owners fund LED upgrades, improved insulation and more efficient heating controls. Quick payback projects are attractive to lenders offering term loans or asset finance.

Fleet decarbonisation

Transport operators replace diesel vans with EVs and fit depot chargers. Asset finance or leasing is common for vehicles; some lenders provide top‑up finance for charging equipment.

Sustainable fit‑outs & certifications

Retail or hospitality businesses invest in lower‑impact fit‑outs and obtain sustainability certifications to access corporate buyer contracts and customer trust. Finance can cover works and certification costs.

Discover real examples and specialist lender options by completing a short enquiry: Free Eligibility Check.

Eligibility snapshot

Each lender has different criteria. Below is a typical snapshot of what lenders and brokers look for.

Want to know if your project qualifies? Find out in minutes with our free enquiry form.

Types of sustainability finance we can introduce

We connect you to lenders and brokers offering a range of finance suitable for sustainability projects:

Green term loans

Typical range: from £10,000 upwards. Ideal for larger retrofit projects or multi‑site investments. Terms and pricing depend on credit and project risk.

Asset finance & leasing

Common for solar arrays, heat pumps, EVs and machinery. The asset often acts as security, with options to purchase outright at term end.

Sustainability‑linked revolving credit

Facilities where pricing or margins improve when agreed sustainability KPIs are met. Useful for businesses with ongoing green investment plans.

Invoice finance & working capital

Short‑term liquidity for businesses undertaking sustainability upgrades while awaiting customer payments or grant receipts.

Grants & blended funding

While Fast Business Loans introduces lenders and brokers, we can also help identify where grant or subsidised funding may complement borrowing.

Get Quote Now to see which of these options best matches your project.

How Fast Business Loans supports your net‑zero journey

1. Quick matching — you submit a short enquiry and we identify suitable finance partners.
2. Sector expertise — we route projects to brokers who understand your industry and green technologies.
3. Time saving — no need to approach multiple lenders; we do the introductions.
4. Transparent process — you choose whether to proceed after receiving offers.

Fast Business Loans is an introducer only. We do not lend or give regulated financial advice. Our service is free and without obligation. Free Eligibility Check.

Funding journey at a glance

Typical process:

1. Submit a short enquiry — tell us the project and contact details (Get Started Free Eligibility Check).
2. We match you with suitable lenders/brokers.
3. A broker or lender contacts you to review options and request documents.
4. Review terms, choose the best offer and proceed to funding.

Enquiry does not affect your credit score.

Checklist: strengthen your sustainability finance application

• Project summary: scope, timeline, expected cost and delivery partner.
• Energy or carbon savings estimate (kWh/year, tCO2e saved) where available.
• Supplier quotes or cost breakdowns.
• Recent management accounts and bank statements.
• Projected cash flow showing loan repayments.
• Any relevant sustainability policies or certificates.
• Details of required security or existing charges.

Have these ready to speed up the process. Start your free enquiry.

Understanding costs, terms and responsible borrowing

Costs vary by lender and product: interest rates, arrangement fees, valuation and legal costs can apply. Some sustainability‑linked products offer margin reductions if agreed targets are hit. Always compare total cost of borrowing, term length and any early repayment charges.

Borrow responsibly: ensure repayments fit projected cash flow and consider discussing options with an accountant. Fast Business Loans introduces potential lenders and brokers — it does not provide advice on affordability or suitability.

Measuring impact once funded

Track metrics such as energy saved (kWh), emissions avoided (tCO2e), operational cost reductions and certification achievements. Many lenders may request periodic reporting against agreed KPIs — good measurement helps you unlock future sustainability finance on better terms.

Why UK businesses choose Fast Business Loans

• Free, no‑obligation matching to lenders and brokers experienced in sustainability projects.
• Saves time: one short form connects you to multiple specialist partners.
• We focus on projects from around £10,000 upwards.
• Transparent introductions — you decide whether to proceed.

Ready to compare options? Free Eligibility Check.

Sector-specific considerations

Manufacturing & industry

Focus on large energy users: combined heat and power, process efficiency and rooftop solar are typical projects. Provide energy audits and supplier quotes.

Hospitality & retail

LED lighting, heat pump heating and water efficiency yield fast paybacks. Lenders favour clear capex and projected savings.

Transport & logistics

Fleet electrification and depot chargers often use asset finance or leases; VAT and grant interactions should be documented.

Agriculture & food production

Renewable heat, anaerobic digestion and precision farming tech are fundable where ROI and environmental benefit are evident.

For more examples and industry detail see our sustainability sector hub on sustainability business loans.

Read more about sustainability business loans

Frequently asked questions

Can start‑ups access sustainability loans through Fast Business Loans?

Yes — we can introduce start‑ups with credible business plans and solid project proposals to brokers and lenders who consider early‑stage funding. Eligibility varies by lender.

What information do I need for the enquiry form?

Basic company details, brief project description, estimated cost and contact details. You can supply detailed documents later to any matched broker.

How quickly could funding be approved?

Simple asset finance or small loans can be offered within days; larger infrastructure projects may take several weeks for surveys, underwriting and legal work.

Do green projects attract better rates?

Some lenders and sustainability‑linked products offer incentives for meeting ESG targets, but terms depend on the lender and project risk profile.

Will I need to provide security or guarantees?

Possibly. Asset finance typically takes the financed equipment as security; larger loans may require company or director guarantees. Brokers will explain requirements during the offer stage.

Does submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — completing Fast Business Loans’ enquiry form does not affect your credit score. Lenders may conduct checks only if you choose to proceed with an application.

Ready to finance your sustainable project?

Complete a short enquiry now and we’ll match your business to the best lender or broker for your needs. It’s free, fast and without obligation.

Get Quote Now | Free Eligibility Check

Service disclosure: Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer. We do not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Any finance is subject to lender terms, status and affordability checks.