Do you support sustainability or energy-efficiency upgrades?
Short answer: Yes — we help UK businesses find finance for sustainability and energy-efficiency upgrades.
Best Business Loans does not lend directly, but we match established UK businesses to lenders and brokers that support sustainability or energy-efficiency projects.
Use our Quick Quote to check eligibility and get a Decision in Principle from suitable providers faster than contacting many lenders yourself.
1. What we mean by sustainability and energy-efficiency upgrades
Sustainability and energy-efficiency upgrades include measures that reduce energy usage, lower carbon emissions, or improve environmental performance.
Examples range from LED lighting, building insulation and smart HVAC controls to solar PV, battery storage, EV chargers and low‑emission plant and machinery.
These upgrades often deliver operational savings as well as meeting regulatory or customer expectations around net zero.
How this relates to business finance
Finance for these projects can take many forms including dedicated sustainability loans, asset finance, leasing, hire purchase and commercial finance lines.
Grants, tax allowances, and government-backed schemes may also apply, but availability and eligibility vary by sector and location.
We can identify which funding types or lenders are most likely to consider your project based on your business profile.
2. Which types of sustainability upgrades are commonly funded?
Lenders and brokers we work with commonly finance lighting upgrades, heating and ventilation replacements, and building fabric improvements.
They also support renewables like solar panels, battery systems, and funded installations for vehicle fleets such as electric vans and charging infrastructure.
Equipment upgrades that reduce energy intensity — such as more efficient compressors, refrigeration or production machinery — are frequently fundable too.
Green retrofit and fit-out projects
Refurbishments that increase energy efficiency in retail, hospitality or office premises are often funded as fit-out finance or commercial refurbishment loans.
These arrangements can be structured to match projected energy savings, helping with cashflow while the upgrade pays back over time.
To explore these options, see our wider guidance on commercial finance and how it can be applied to business improvement projects.
3. What types of finance can support energy-efficiency projects?
Sustainability projects can be financed through asset finance, equipment leasing, sustainability loans, green commercial loans and invoice or vendor finance.
Asset finance and hire-purchase are common where the upgrade is capital equipment, allowing costs to be spread while preserving working capital.
For whole-building projects, commercial finance or refurbishment loans can cover materials, contractor fees and design costs.
Where grants and incentives fit in
Grants, local incentives or business support schemes can reduce the amount your business needs to borrow, but they are often competitive and time-limited.
Tax allowances such as Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) or special capital allowances for energy-saving equipment may also improve project returns.
We recommend combining grant searches with eligible finance options to build the most cost-effective funding package.
4. How we help you find the right finance partner
Complete our Quick Quote form and our AI-driven matching engine analyses your business profile and project details.
We then match you with lenders and brokers in our network who are actively supporting sustainability upgrades in your sector.
Those providers can offer a Decision in Principle or an initial quote so you can compare likely terms and make an informed choice.
What information improves your match
Provide clear details about the upgrade scope, project cost estimate, expected energy savings and who will install or supply the equipment.
Information about business turnover, trading history and existing finance arrangements helps lenders assess suitability quickly.
Even if you only have high-level figures, our AI can usually narrow down suitable funding routes and recommend next steps.
5. Eligibility, risks and realistic returns
Eligibility depends on your business type, credit profile, the asset being financed and the expected cashflow impact of the upgrade.
Not all lenders will fund every measure, and some projects need specialist green financiers or brokers with sector experience.
We aim to match you with providers who understand the technical and commercial aspects of sustainability projects.
Cost, payback and compliance
Energy-efficiency projects are usually evaluated on simple payback and net present value, accounting for maintenance, incentive payments and tax treatments.
Some lenders will accept projected energy savings as part of their underwriting, while others prefer proven supplier contracts or performance guarantees.
Regulatory and building compliance may affect project timing and cost, so allow for planning, building control or landlord consents where relevant.
How we ensure clear, compliant advice
Best Business Loans operates as an independent introducer and is not a lender or FCA-authorised credit provider.
We clearly disclose that we introduce businesses to third-party lenders or brokers and we do not sell financial products directly.
All promotional content is written to be fair, clear and not misleading, and we encourage you to obtain full terms and independent advice before committing.
Practical steps to get started (3 quick actions)
1. Complete our Quick Quote form with project costs and business details for a fast eligibility check.
2. Receive potential matches and a Decision in Principle from lenders or brokers who specialise in sustainability finance.
3. Compare offers, request full proposals and factor in grants, tax allowances and payback when deciding.
Common questions businesses ask
“Can I borrow for solar panels or electric vehicles?” — Yes, many lenders fund both assets depending on credit and installer details.
“Do I need contractor quotes?” — Most lenders prefer supplier contracts or detailed quotes to support the application and the value of financed assets.
“Are green loans cheaper?” — Green-labelled products can have competitive terms, but not always; suitability depends on your risk profile and asset type.
Next steps — get a Quick Quote and Decision in Principle
If your business is established in the UK and you’re planning sustainability upgrades, start with our Quick Quote to check eligibility.
We will match you to lenders or brokers who understand energy-efficiency projects and can provide an early indication of terms.
Begin your enquiry now to save time and move towards a practical finance solution that supports both cashflow and environmental goals.
Explore related funding options such as our commercial finance services for broader projects here: commercial finance options.
Key takeaways
- Best Business Loans helps UK businesses find lenders and brokers that fund sustainability and energy-efficiency upgrades.
- We match businesses to finance types such as asset finance, sustainability loans, leasing and commercial refurbishment loans.
- Provide clear project details for the best matches and consider grants and tax allowances alongside borrowing.
- Start with a Quick Quote to get a fast eligibility check and Decision in Principle from suitable providers.
Ready to progress? Complete our Quick Quote and let our AI match you to the most relevant finance partners for your sustainability project.