What are sustainability business loans?

Sustainability business loans are finance products targeted at projects that lower carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, or support a circular economy. Typical uses include solar PV installations, battery storage, heat pumps, EV fleet purchases and chargers, LED lighting, insulation, and equipment that reduces waste or water use.

These facilities can take several forms: unsecured or secured term loans, asset finance (where equipment itself is funded), Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for energy generation projects, or blended packages combining finance and grant funding. Each option has different cost, term and security implications.

Which businesses can we support?

We work with limited companies and incorporated businesses across the UK — from ambitious SMEs to established firms planning major capital upgrades. Our panel includes brokers and lenders experienced in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, logistics, hospitality, agriculture and retail.

Whether your project is a small lighting retrofit or a multi-site solar rollout, we can match you with partners who understand your sector and the finance options that suit it.

Why invest in sustainability today?

There are compelling reasons to act now:

• Lower operating costs — energy and fuel savings can quickly improve margins.
• Resilience — reduced exposure to energy price shocks and supply risks.
• Reputation and procurement — customers and buyers increasingly expect demonstrable ESG improvements.
• Incentives — a mix of grants, tax allowances and commercial offerings can reduce net project cost.

Potential return on investment

Many businesses find that financed sustainability upgrades pay back through energy savings, lower maintenance costs and extended asset life. Your matched broker or lender can help model projected savings and payback periods for lender panels that support sustainability projects.

How Fast Business Loans helps

Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we don’t lend or provide regulated financial advice. Instead, we:

1. Collect a few basic details via our short enquiry form.
2. Match your business with specialist brokers and lenders best suited to your sector and project size.
3. Allow those lenders/brokers to contact you with tailored, no-obligation proposals.

This is quick and confidential, and your initial enquiry does not affect your credit file.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Popular finance solutions for sustainable projects

Sustainability term loans

Best for larger capital projects. Typical sizes: £10,000 to multi-million-pound facilities. Terms: 2–10 years (or longer depending on project). Security: unsecured or secured against business assets or property.

Green asset finance

Used to fund equipment such as solar panels, EVs, heat pumps or recycling machinery. Lenders use the asset as security; structured repayments align with asset life.

Energy Performance Contracting & PPAs

For energy generation or efficiency projects, PPAs or EPCs can offer off-balance-sheet options where costs are paid from realised energy savings or export income. We can introduce you to providers that structure these arrangements.

Working capital & invoice finance

If your upgrade requires interim funding or staged payments, invoice finance and short-term working capital facilities can bridge cashflow while you install equipment or wait for grants.

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Eligibility, criteria and preparation

While requirements vary by lender, common factors considered include:

• Trading history and company accounts
• Annual turnover and projected cashflows
• Credit profile and director history
• Project costings and expected energy savings / carbon reductions

Helpful documents to prepare: recent management accounts, VAT returns, supplier quotes for the works/equipment, and any grant or planning documentation. Our partners will advise exact requirements once matched.

Step-by-step: From enquiry to funding

1. Submit your enquiry

Complete our short online form in around 2 minutes — tell us about your business, the project and the amount you need (we typically handle requests from £10,000 upwards).

2. Personalised match

We match you with brokers and lenders experienced in sustainability financing and your industry.

3. Discuss options

Matched partners will contact you to explore terms, security and indicative costs. This is the stage to ask detailed questions and request illustrations.

4. Decide — no obligation

You choose whether to proceed. If you accept an offer, your chosen lender/broker will handle the application and drawdown process.

Here’s what to expect next — quick, targeted contacts from partners who understand green projects and the finance that supports them.

Start Your Enquiry

Understanding rates, fees and terms

Rates and fees depend on the facility type, your business credit profile, and the security offered. Possible costs include interest, arrangement fees and broker fees (where charged by the lender or broker). Any fees charged by brokers/lenders will be disclosed by them upfront — Fast Business Loans does not charge businesses for the matching service.

Always ask matched partners for a full breakdown of fees and representative APRs before accepting any offer.

Alternative and complementary funding paths

Loans are often combined with grants, tax incentives or internal capital to reduce net project cost. Explore government or local authority grants, Innovate UK support for innovation projects, or energy company incentives. Combining funding sources can improve project returns — speak to your matched broker about blended finance options.

For more sector-specific options, see our sustainability business loans hub to learn about typical packages and incentives.

sustainability business loans

Illustrative funding scenarios

Manufacturing — energy-efficient equipment

Challenge: High process energy costs. Solution: Asset finance for new motors and controls; lender offers 5-year term secured against the equipment. Outcome: Energy savings reduce operating costs and payback within 4 years (example only).

Hospitality — heat pump upgrade

Challenge: High gas bills and ageing boiler. Solution: Term loan combined with an energy efficiency grant to fund heat pump installation. Outcome: Lower bills and improved guest sustainability messaging.

Logistics — EV fleet transition

Challenge: Desire to reduce fleet emissions but high upfront cost. Solution: Hire purchase or lease for vehicles, plus charging infrastructure financed via asset finance. Outcome: Lower fuel costs and future-proofed fleet.

These examples are illustrative. Matched partners will assess your individual circumstances and provide tailored projections.

The Fast Business Loans difference

• Speed — fast matching to relevant lenders and brokers.
• Sector expertise — partners experienced in sustainability projects.
• Transparent process — no obligation, no charge for our service.
• Data security — we only share your details with appropriate partners.
• Clear disclaimers — we introduce; lenders/brokers provide terms and offers.

Frequently asked questions

What minimum and maximum amounts can I apply for?

We commonly handle enquiries from about £10,000 up to several million pounds depending on project and lender appetite.

Will the enquiry affect my credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry to Fast Business Loans does not affect your credit file. Lenders may run credit checks later in the process if you choose to proceed.

Can I get funding if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

Possibly. We work with a wide panel of partners; a different lender or structure may still be suitable. Be honest about past credit history — transparency helps find the right match.

Do you charge for introductions?

No. Our matching service is free for businesses. Any fees charged will be by the lender or broker and must be clearly disclosed by them.

Important information

Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend money or provide regulated financial advice. Nothing on this page is financial advice — always consider independent professional advice before agreeing to any finance product. Eligibility, rates and fees are subject to the lender’s assessment, and offers are not guaranteed.

Ready to explore sustainability finance options?

Complete a short enquiry now and we’ll match you with the most relevant lenders and brokers for your project. It takes around 2 minutes, it’s free, and there’s no obligation.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Prefer to speak to someone? Call our team Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm on 020 3858 1234. Your data is handled securely and only shared with partners who can help you.