Sustainability loans — can I fund BMS, sub‑metering & energy monitoring?
Short answer: Yes — many UK business and sustainability loan products can be used to fund Building Management Systems (BMS), sub‑metering and energy monitoring systems. Eligibility and the best funding route depend on project size, business turnover and lender preference. Complete a quick enquiry and we’ll match you with lenders and brokers who specialise in sustainability projects. Get Quote Now (free eligibility check).
Quick facts
- Typical funding types: sustainability (green) loans, asset finance, leasing, EPC/ESCo funding, supplier finance or mixed packages.
- Typical loan sizes we organise: from around £10,000 up to several hundred thousand pounds (project dependent).
- What can be funded: equipment, installation, software licences, commissioning and sometimes ongoing service contracts.
What are BMS, sub‑metering and energy monitoring systems?
Building Management Systems (BMS) control and automate heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting and other building services. Sub‑metering installs additional meters to measure energy usage by floor, tenant, process or device. Energy monitoring systems collect and analyse meter and sensor data, often via cloud dashboards, to spot waste, verify savings and support ESG reporting.
Typical components include sensors, meters, gateways, control panels, specialised software, installation and measurement & verification (M&V) services. These systems are used across offices, retail, hospitality, manufacturing and social housing to cut consumption, meet compliance and support tenant/occupant reporting.
Can UK business/sustainability loans be used to pay for them?
Yes — in many cases. Several types of UK business finance commonly cover BMS, sub‑metering and energy monitoring systems. The right product depends on whether you want to own the assets, conserve capital, or link repayments to guaranteed energy savings.
Common ways businesses finance these projects:
- Sustainability or green loans — lenders may offer products targeted at energy efficiency and carbon reduction projects.
- Asset & equipment finance — hire purchase or leasing to spread cost while owning (or leasing) equipment.
- Commercial loans — unsecured or secured term loans to fund the full project cost.
- Energy Performance Contracting (EPC/ESCO) models — third‑party funds installation and the business repays from guaranteed savings.
- Grants and incentives — often used in combination with loans to lower upfront capital requirement.
Every lender has different policies: some require M&V evidence or supplier warranties, others prioritise the borrower’s balance sheet. If you want a tailored match, start with a Free Eligibility Check.
What lenders look for (eligibility & underwriting)
Lenders and brokers assess projects and businesses on several fronts. Preparing the right information improves the chance of a fast, favourable response.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
- Business profile: company type (limited companies), turnover, trading history and recent accounts.
- Project documentation: supplier quotes, scope of works, installer credentials and warranties.
- Energy savings evidence: EPCs, pre‑project consumption data, projected savings and M&V plans.
- Security and collateral: whether finance is asset‑backed, secured on property, or unsecured.
- Contractual terms: supply & install contracts, ongoing maintenance agreements and software licence terms.
Practical tip: prepare a concise one‑page project summary with costs, estimated payback and the installer’s contact details before you apply — it speeds underwriting.
Funding options explained
Sustainability / green loans
Green or sustainability loans are designed to finance environmentally beneficial projects. Lenders may accept evidence of emissions reduction, energy modelling and credible installers. These loans can carry competitive terms where lenders view the project as lower risk due to direct energy savings.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Asset & equipment finance
Hire purchase and finance leases let you spread cost over the asset life. This often covers hardware, installation and sometimes commissioning. Leasing can preserve working capital and may be structured off‑balance sheet depending on accounting rules and the chosen product.
EPC / third‑party funding (ESCo)
Energy Service Companies (ESCo) or EPC contracts can provide zero‑or‑low‑upfront cost solutions, repaid from guaranteed savings. This reduces capital expenditure but means the third party typically owns the system or takes a share of savings.
Grants, subsidies & tax relief
Government and local schemes sometimes offer grants or incentives for energy improvements. Combining grant funding with a loan reduces the amount you need to borrow and improves project economics. Talk to your broker about current schemes and eligibility.
Mixed models
Many projects use a mix — partial grant, supplier finance for hardware, and a loan or lease for balance, or an EPC overlay. UK Business Loans can help structure introductions so you can compare real proposals quickly.
For guidance on loan products aimed specifically at sustainability projects see targeted resources on sustainability loans and green finance — or request a tailored match via our Get Started Free Eligibility Check. You can also read more about specialised sustainability loans on our sustainability loans page: sustainability loans.
Complete Our 1-Minute Enquiry Form Now – Get a No-Obligation Quote
Benefits & ROI case points
Key benefits of financing BMS/sub‑metering/monitoring include:
- Reduced energy costs and lower operating expenditure.
- Support for net‑zero and ESG reporting, improving tenant and investor appeal.
- Proving compliance with building regulations and corporate sustainability targets.
- Often quick payback (site dependent) which helps justify finance costs.
Indicative payback periods for energy‑efficiency projects vary but commonly fall between 2–6 years depending on measures, energy prices and utilisation. These figures are illustrative only — always use site‑specific M&V.
Typical project costs & what to budget
Costs vary widely. Typical ballpark ranges (illustrative):
- Small office BMS upgrade: £10,000–£50,000
- Large commercial or multi‑site systems: £50,000–£500,000+
- Sub‑metering per circuit: £200–£2,000+ (plus installation and integration)
- Ongoing software licences & support: annual fees per site or per meter
Key cost drivers: number of zones/meters, integration complexity, cloud analytics, commissioning and any required remedial work.
How UK Business Loans can help
We do not lend. We introduce businesses to lenders and brokers who specialise in business and sustainability finance. Our service is free and non‑obligatory — you supply a few project and business details, and we match you to partners who can provide quotes.
- Complete a short enquiry form with basic business and project details (Get Quote Now).
- We match you to lenders/brokers with relevant experience.
- A lender or broker contacts you with a quote or next steps.
- Compare offers and decide — you are under no obligation to proceed.
Free Eligibility Check — it takes less than two minutes and helps you get fast, relevant quotes.
Preparing your enquiry — checklist
Have these ready to speed a decision:
- Basic business details: company name, turnover, trading months/years, contact details.
- Project overview: short description, total project cost and preferred funding amount.
- Supplier/installer quote(s) and installer credentials.
- Available documentation: recent accounts, bank statements, EPC or baseline consumption data, any M&V studies.
- Preferred term and any security you’re willing to offer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a loan to buy both hardware and software subscriptions?
Often yes. Many lenders will include capitalised software licences and commissioning costs in the funded amount, though some may prefer operating costs (ongoing subscriptions) to be paid separately. Confirm when you request quotes.
Do lenders fund installation costs?
Yes — installation and commissioning are commonly funded alongside hardware. Be clear in your quote which elements the installer includes.
Will applying affect my credit score?
Submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans does not affect your credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks later when you apply for a specific product.
Our Business Finance Matching Process
Step 1
Complete Your Details
It takes just 1 minute on average to complete your business and contact details.
Step 2
We Match Your Business
With the best business finance broker or lender most suitable for your needs.
Step 3
You Get Free Quote + Advice
You receive a free quote along with complimentary expert financial advice.
It’s fast and free to get a quote from one of the UK’s leading finance brokers / lenders who will contact you directly with your quote/s.
Are there special rates for energy‑saving projects?
Some lenders offer preferential terms for verified sustainability projects, but this is not guaranteed. Demonstrable savings and reputable installers improve your chances.
Can new companies or start‑ups apply?
Eligibility depends on the product. Some asset finance and specialist lenders will consider newer businesses if the project economics and supplier support are strong.
How long until I get quotes?
Once matched, you can often expect contact within hours to a few working days, depending on project complexity and lender schedules.
Ready for a quick quote? Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.
Short case study (anonymised)
A medium‑sized office group needed a BMS upgrade across three floors. Project cost: £85,000 (hardware, installation, software & commissioning). We matched the business to two lenders and one specialist green broker. The chosen solution blended a three‑year asset finance lease for hardware and a capped maintenance contract. Estimated annual energy savings: £25,000 — projected payback under 4 years. The client maintained cashflow and achieved a predictable repayment plan.
Next steps & important information
Get Quote Now — complete a short form and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who can provide tailored finance proposals. Our service is free and without obligation.
UK Business Loans acts as an introducer and does not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Terms, rates and eligibility are set by the lender or broker supplying the finance. This page is for general information only and is not a financial promotion by a lender.
1. Can UK business or sustainability loans fund BMS, sub‑metering and energy monitoring systems? — Yes, many UK sustainability loans, asset finance and other business loan products can be used to fund BMS, sub‑metering and energy monitoring projects, subject to lender eligibility.
2. What types of finance can I use to fund BMS, sub‑metering and energy monitoring? — Common options include sustainability/green loans, asset & equipment finance (hire purchase or leasing), unsecured or secured commercial loans, EPC/ESCO models and blended packages with supplier finance or grants.
3. Will a loan cover hardware, installation and software licences (and ongoing subscriptions)? — Lenders commonly fund hardware, installation and capitalised software licences, though ongoing subscription fees are sometimes excluded so confirm with the lender or broker when requesting quotes.
4. What documents do lenders usually require for sustainability loan underwriting? — Lenders typically ask for recent accounts, turnover and trading history, supplier/installer quotes, installer credentials and warranties, EPCs or baseline consumption data, projected savings and any M&V plans.
5. How quickly will I get quotes after submitting an enquiry or free eligibility check? — Once you complete the free eligibility check/enquiry you can often expect to be matched and contacted by lenders or brokers within hours to a few working days depending on project complexity.
6. Is completing the UK Business Loans enquiry form an application and will it affect my credit score? — No — the enquiry form is just to match you to lenders and brokers, it is not an application and does not affect your credit score; lenders may carry out checks later if you apply.
7. Can start‑ups or businesses with limited trading history get funding for energy‑efficiency projects? — Yes — some specialist lenders and asset finance providers will consider newer companies if the project economics are strong and supplier support or guarantees are provided.
8. Are there preferential green rates or special terms for verified energy‑saving projects? — Some lenders offer preferential terms for verified sustainability projects where energy savings, credible installers and M&V evidence reduce perceived risk.
9. Can I combine grants, supplier finance or an EPC/ESCO with a loan for a BMS project? — Yes — mixing grants, supplier finance, EPC/ESCO arrangements and loans is common to reduce upfront cost and improve project economics.
10. Should I include EPCs, M&V studies or projected savings in my enquiry to improve my chances? — Absolutely — providing EPCs, M&V plans and clear projected savings upfront speeds underwriting and can secure better terms or lender interest.