Sustainability Business Loans for UK Companies
Summary: Fast Business Loans connects UK limited companies to specialist lenders and brokers for sustainability projects — from solar and EV chargers to heat pumps and energy-efficient equipment. We’re an introducer (not a lender or adviser) and our free, no‑obligation enquiry helps match you with providers who can offer finance from around £10,000 upwards. Enquire online in under two minutes — there’s no impact on your business credit score when you make an enquiry.
Get Started – Free Eligibility Check • No obligation • No impact on credit score to enquire • Vetted lenders & brokers only
Key takeaways
- Finance for sustainability projects typically starts from around £10,000 and can reach into the millions depending on the project and lender.
- Common uses: solar PV, battery storage, EV chargers, heat pumps, energy-efficient plant & machinery, and building retrofits.
- Multiple finance routes: unsecured/secured loans, asset finance, leasing, invoice finance, commercial mortgages and blended/grant signposting.
- Fast Business Loans is a free introducer that matches your business to suitable lenders and brokers — no obligation to proceed.
Ready to explore your options? Get Quote Now
What are sustainability business loans?
Sustainability business loans are commercial finance facilities designed to fund projects that reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency. They cover capital costs for renewable energy systems (solar, wind), energy-saving equipment (LED, HVAC upgrades), low-emission vehicles and EV charging infrastructure, plus wider retrofit works that lower a company’s carbon footprint.
Not all funding needs to be a straight loan. Through our network you can access:
- Pure loans (secured or unsecured)
- Asset finance and equipment leasing
- Blended solutions combining grants and loans (we signpost grants where available)
- Project finance for larger, revenue-generating installations
For practical guidance on sustainability funding options, projects and case examples, see our specialist guide to sustainability business loans.
Check Your Sustainability Funding Options
Projects and sectors we commonly support
We help limited companies across a broad range of industries source sustainable finance. Typical projects include:
High-impact sustainability projects
- Solar PV and rooftop installations
- Battery storage and hybrid systems
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging networks for staff or fleets
- Heat pumps and low-carbon heating systems
- LED lighting and energy-efficiency retrofit
- Electric/hybrid fleet replacement (asset finance)
- Waste reduction and circular-economy equipment
Sectors on our broker panel
We regularly place enquiries for businesses in:
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Construction and building services
- Hospitality and retail
- Agriculture and food processing
- Logistics and transport
- Healthcare and care homes
- Property owners and commercial landlords
Not sure if your project qualifies? Request a free eligibility check.
Funding options available through our network
There’s no one-size-fits-all route. Below is an indicative comparison — exact terms and availability depend on lender and project specifics.
| Finance type | Typical sustainability use | Indicative term | Security / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured business loan | Small projects, feasibility studies, early-stage installs | 1–5 years | No asset security; stricter affordability checks |
| Secured loan | Larger retrofits, building works | 2–10 years+ | May use property or assets as security |
| Asset finance | Vehicles, machinery, battery systems | 2–7 years | Secured on the asset; preserves working capital |
| Equipment leasing | EV chargers, specialist plant, low-carbon tech | 1–5 years | Monthly payments; option to upgrade at term end |
| Invoice finance | Working capital while project invoices are outstanding | Short-term | Good for cashflow, not capex-heavy projects |
| Commercial mortgage / refinance | Major site upgrades or portfolio decarbonisation | 10–25 years | Long-term facility secured on property |
| Grants & blended finance | Top-up funding where public schemes apply | Varies | We can signpost grant opportunities but do not administer grants |
Indicative information only; exact terms depend on lender assessment.
How Fast Business Loans works
Our process is simple and designed to save you time:
- Complete a short enquiry form — tell us about your business and the project (takes under two minutes).
- We match you — your enquiry is routed to lenders and brokers who specialise in your sector and project type.
- Rapid response — expect contact by phone or email, often within hours during business periods.
- Compare & proceed — review offers, decide, and progress directly with the lender or broker.
We do not charge businesses for introductions, and you are under no obligation to accept any offers. Submitting an enquiry does not affect your business credit score. Your details are only shared with relevant partners strictly for the purpose of matching your request.
Preparing for a strong sustainability finance application
Lenders favour well-documented projects with clear savings or revenue forecasts. Here’s how to improve your chances.
Outline your sustainability objectives
Detail the project goals: expected carbon reduction, energy savings (%), operational benefits and any certifications or accreditations.
Get financials ready
Typical documents: last two years’ accounts, latest management accounts, cashflow forecast and any existing finance schedules.
Build the business case
Include supplier quotes, installation timelines, projected cost savings, RM (maintenance) plans and any government or third-party incentives.
Checklist (quick):
- Project description and objectives
- Supplier quotations
- Historic & projected financials
- Expected savings / payback period
- Details of any current debts or secured assets
Need clarity on documentation? Talk to a sustainability finance specialist.
What lenders consider (eligibility snapshot)
Lenders will assess a combination of project viability and business strength. Key areas include:
- Turnover and profitability
- Trading history and company structure
- Credit profile and existing obligations
- Security available (if any)
- Feasibility and expected savings from the project
Responsible lending and affordability checks are standard. Because our panel includes diverse providers, businesses with varied credit histories may still find suitable options.
Costs, terms & repayments
Costs vary by product, lender and risk profile — expect terms from short 6‑month facilities to long-term mortgages of 10 years or more. Interest rates, arrangement fees and exit fees may apply.
Illustrative examples (for guidance only):
- LED refit — unsecured loan of £30,000 over 3 years: monthly repayments, modest APR with no asset security.
- Electric fleet — asset finance of £200,000 over 5 years: structured repayments against vehicles, preserving working capital.
Always review the full cost breakdown with the matched broker or lender before proceeding. Fast Business Loans does not offer financial advice — we introduce you to providers who can.
Benefits of investing in sustainability
Funding sustainable upgrades can deliver:
- Lower energy bills and operational costs
- Greater resilience to energy price volatility
- Attraction of eco-conscious customers and investors
- Stronger ESG reporting and future regulatory readiness
- Potential eligibility for grants, tax incentives or green finance pricing
Investing now can improve margins and de-risk your business for the future.
Success snapshot – sustainable upgrade in action
A UK manufacturer needed to cut energy costs and reduce carbon. Challenge: rising electricity bills and ageing plant. Solution: rooftop solar plus a battery system funded via a blended asset finance package arranged through our broker panel. Outcome: energy bill reduction of c.40%, project payback within 5–6 years, improved operational resilience and a stronger sustainability statement for customers and stakeholders.
Want help with a similar project? Explore funding for your project
Why choose Fast Business Loans
- Speed — quick enquiry, fast matches to lenders and brokers
- Sector expertise — we connect you to partners who understand your industry
- Curated panel — introductions to proven finance providers
- Transparent process — free, no-obligation introductions, you remain in control
- Secure handling — your information is shared only with relevant partners
We don’t lend money or give financial advice — we make the introductions that help you get funded faster.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum / maximum I can borrow for sustainability projects?
Through our network, funding typically starts from around £10,000. Maximums vary widely and can exceed £5 million for large property or portfolio projects — it depends on lender appetite and project scale.
Can start-ups pursue sustainability loans?
Young companies may be eligible, especially with strong forecasts, confirmed orders or credible security. Availability depends on the provider’s criteria — use our form to find matches who consider start-ups.
Are there government-backed green loan schemes?
Occasionally regional or national grant schemes and incentives exist. We can signpost grant opportunities where relevant, but grants are administered by public bodies, not by Fast Business Loans.
Will an enquiry affect my credit score?
No — submitting an enquiry via Fast Business Loans does not impact your business credit score. Lenders may perform credit checks later if you progress with an application.
Do you work with businesses that have previous credit issues?
Yes — our diverse panel includes lenders and brokers that specialise in a range of credit profiles. We’ll try to match you to appropriate partners but cannot guarantee offers.
How fast can funding be arranged?
Timescales vary: some smaller facilities can be completed within days, while larger or secured facilities typically take weeks. Once matched, your broker or lender will provide a timeline.
Do you provide grants?
No — we do not provide grants. We can, however, signpost potential grant schemes and match you with brokers who blend grant and loan finance where available.
Do I have to accept a lender match?
No. Matches are introductions only — you are under no obligation to accept any offer presented to you.
Ready to accelerate your sustainability goals?
If you’re planning a renewable, energy-saving or low-carbon upgrade, now is a great time to explore funding. Our quick, free enquiry helps identify the lenders and brokers most likely to support your project — no obligation, no credit impact.
Compliance & disclosure
Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer connecting businesses to lenders and brokers. We do not provide regulated financial advice and we are not a lender. Borrowing is subject to status, affordability and the lender’s terms. Always review full terms and consider independent professional advice where appropriate. See our Privacy Policy and Terms for more information.
– What are sustainability business loans?
Sustainability business loans are commercial finance facilities for UK companies to fund renewable energy and energy‑efficiency projects that cut carbon and operating costs.
– What projects can I use them for?
Typical uses include solar PV, battery storage, EV chargers, heat pumps, LED retrofits, energy‑efficient plant and machinery, and wider building decarbonisation works.
– How much can I borrow for a sustainability project?
Funding via our network typically starts from around £10,000 and can exceed £5 million depending on the project and lender appetite.
– What finance options are available for green upgrades?
You can access unsecured or secured business loans, asset finance, equipment leasing, invoice finance, commercial mortgages, and blended solutions with grant signposting.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect my business credit score?
No — our free, no‑obligation enquiry does not impact your business credit score; credit checks may occur later if you proceed with a provider.
– Is your enquiry form a loan application?
No — it’s a short information form used to match your business with suitable lenders or brokers, and there’s no obligation to proceed.
– How fast can funding be arranged?
Smaller facilities can complete in days, while larger or secured deals typically take weeks, with initial contact from a lender or broker often within hours.
– What rates, terms and security should I expect?
Costs vary by product and risk, with terms from short 6‑month facilities up to 10–25‑year mortgages and security ranging from unsecured loans to those secured on assets or property.
– Are there government grants or green incentives available?
Yes — regional or national grant schemes may exist and we can signpost relevant opportunities, though grants are administered by public bodies, not by Fast Business Loans.
– What do lenders look for and what documents help?
Lenders assess business strength and project viability, so prepare recent accounts, managements, cash‑flow forecasts, supplier quotes, and projected savings/payback (start‑ups and varied credit profiles may still be considered).
