Can funding cover ISO improvements, metering and building management/control systems?
Short answer
Yes — many types of commercial funding can cover ISO-related improvements, energy metering and building management/control systems, provided the project meets lender or broker criteria.
Eligibility depends on the scope of works, asset type, projected savings, and the finance product chosen, so it’s important to prepare a clear technical and financial case.
What counts as ISO improvements, metering and BMS/BAS upgrades?
“ISO improvements” typically means implementing or upgrading systems to meet international standards such as ISO 50001 (energy management) or ISO 14001 (environmental management).
Metering covers installation of smart meters, sub‑meters, interval data loggers and energy monitoring platforms that record consumption by building, process or tenant.
Building management systems (BMS) or building automation systems (BAS) include central controllers, sensors, HVAC controls, lighting control, integration software and IoT devices that enable monitoring, scheduling and optimisation.
Why businesses invest in these upgrades
Typical motivations include reducing energy bills, demonstrating regulatory compliance, qualifying for green procurement or securing ISO certification.
Upgrades can also improve asset life, reduce maintenance costs and support reporting for sustainability targets and stakeholder disclosures.
What types of finance commonly cover these projects?
Several commercial finance products are routinely used to fund ISO improvements, metering and BMS work, including equipment finance, asset finance, hire purchase and leasing.
Green or sustainability loans, energy efficiency loans, and unsecured business loans can also be suitable, depending on project size and business credit.
In addition, energy performance contracts (EPCs) and leasing with integrated maintenance are often used, where the technology vendor or contractor arranges finance and ties payments to verified savings.
Grants and blended funding
Public grants, local authority incentives and tax reliefs may be available to supplement commercial finance, reducing the amount of borrowing required.
Best Business Loans can help you explore appropriate funding types and identify lenders or brokers with experience in sustainability projects. See our dedicated sustainability loans page for more detail: sustainability loans.
What lenders and brokers typically look for
Lenders assessing finance for ISO or BMS projects usually want to see a clear business case demonstrating the benefits and how the asset will be used.
Key elements include supplier quotes, project specifications, expected energy or operational savings, lifecycle costings and installation plans.
Proof, certification and technical validation
Green lenders may require measurement and verification (M&V) plans, independent energy audits, or proof that equipment meets recognised standards and installer competence.
Certifications such as ISO 50001, MCS (for renewables), BSI markings, or manufacturer warranties strengthen the application and reduce perceived risk.
Business and credit criteria
Commercial lenders consider typical underwriting factors: business age, turnover, cashflow, credit history and sector risk.
Some lenders provide specialist green financing with tailored terms for projects demonstrating robust savings and environmental benefit.
How to prepare a finance-ready application
Prepare a concise, evidence-based package that links costs to outcomes and demonstrates how the upgrade will be maintained and validated.
Essential documents include detailed supplier quotes, a scope of works, projected savings (kWh and £), timescales, and any relevant compliance or certification documentation.
Steps to improve approval chances
1) Get at least two competitive supplier quotes and outline the technical solution and warranty terms.
2) Obtain an energy audit or feasibility study showing baseline consumption and forecasted savings.
3) Provide historical financials and a cashflow forecast that show ability to service repayments, or propose lease payments aligned to savings.
4) If seeking green-linked finance, be ready to supply M&V plans, installation records and an ongoing maintenance strategy.
Compliance and tax considerations
Some capital allowances, tax reliefs or incentive schemes may apply to energy‑efficient equipment or low carbon investments.
Talk to an accountant or advisor for specific tax guidance rather than relying solely on marketing claims.
Typical funding structures, outcomes and next steps
For smaller installations, equipment finance or a sustainability loan with a fixed term is common, often secured against the asset or the business.
Larger projects may use leasing, hire purchase, or ESCo/EPC models where payments are linked to performance and savings.
What to expect on terms and security
Terms vary by lender and asset — equipment finance often mirrors asset life, while unsecured loans may have shorter terms and higher cost.
Security requirements differ: asset finance typically takes a charge on the equipment, whereas unsecured products rely on business credit.
How Best Business Loans helps
We don’t provide loans directly; our platform uses AI and our lender network to identify the most relevant funding routes for your project.
Submit a Quick Quote for a Decision in Principle or eligibility check to see which lenders or brokers could support your ISO, metering or BMS upgrade.
Key documents lenders commonly request
- Supplier quotes and technical spec sheets (1–3 competing quotes recommended).
- Energy audit or baseline consumption report and projected savings.
- Project timeline, installer credentials and equipment warranties.
- Historic financials (management accounts), cashflow forecast and company information.
- Certifications or M&V plans for green finance applications.
Case example — typical scenario (illustrative)
A manufacturing SME installs sub‑metering and a BMS to reduce peak demand and optimise HVAC scheduling.
They secured asset finance to cover 80% of equipment cost with a three‑year term, using projected energy savings to justify the proposal.
Lender required supplier warranties, an energy audit and proof of installers’ competence before issuing an offer.
Compliance, clarity and fair advertising
Best Business Loans operates as an introducer and does not lend directly; our content aims to be clear, fair and not misleading.
We encourage businesses to seek independent technical and financial advice and to confirm any regulatory, tax or grant eligibility with appropriate professionals.
Next steps — get a Quick Quote
If you’re planning ISO upgrades, new metering or a BMS, start by collecting supplier quotes and an energy baseline.
Then complete our Quick Quote to get a Decision in Principle and introductions to lenders or brokers experienced in sustainability and asset finance.
Submit your details now for a free, no‑obligation eligibility check and see which funding routes may be available to your business.
Author & Credentials
Best Business Loans — independent UK business finance introducer with AI-driven matching and a specialist network of commercial lenders and brokers.
Our team has experience arranging finance for energy efficiency, equipment and commercial asset projects across multiple sectors.
Summary — key takeaways
- Yes — funding can cover ISO improvements, metering and BMS upgrades if the project demonstrates clear use, savings and technical credibility.
- Common options include equipment/asset finance, leasing, sustainability loans and energy performance contracts. Grants may reduce borrowing needs.
- Preparation matters: provide supplier quotes, an energy audit, projected savings and service plans to improve approval chances.
- Best Business Loans can match you with lenders or brokers suited to green and operational technology projects — start with a Quick Quote.