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Introduction
According to a new survey from the Federation of Small Business, around 50% of UK SMEs regard environmental sustainability to be a high priority for their operations. However, only 25% believe it is feasible for them to be able to transition to net zero emissions by 2050, which is the date in which the UK is meant to achieve its overall net zero target.
38% of businesses questioned cited cost barriers and a lack of capital as a reason for being unable to switch to cleaner technologies and greener business models. In addition, 33% of SMEs are holding off on investing in green technologies because at current costs, the return on investment would take too long for it to be a viable proposition for their operation.
Only 13% of SMEs stated they had sufficient finances in place in order to fund a net zero transition, only 18% believed they had the correct skillset in place amongst their teams to make the shift and only 25% believed they had the right knowledge to make their business more energy efficient.
With these low figures taken into consideration in regards to being able to fund a net zero transition or having the required knowledge and skillset, small businesses can access significant financial and active support in achieving these goals. There are a number of grants and fully funded support options, including business energy assessments available to SMEs in local areas from Government agencies, local authorities and enterprise support agencies to help support adopting and implementing energy saving and energy efficiency measures.
What Are Some Of the Latest UK Business Energy Efficiency Opportunities Available?
i) West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge
West Midlands Combined Authority is running the Sustainability West Midlands support scheme where businesses can make a pledge to demonstrate their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and reach net zero targets. Businesses can access fully funded expert advice and guidance to determine what energy efficiency measures they can implement in their business operations to achieve these goals.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Energy Efficiency Fund
Falkirk Council is running a fund that aims to help businesses meet their net zero targets. The funding will support the costs of changing to a low carbon heating system, the installation of low and zero carbon generating technologies and building fabric upgrades. Funding up to £15,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 31st March 2026
iii) Aberdeen Energy Efficiency Programme
Scarf and Aberdeen City Council is running a scheme that aims to support businesses to reduce their energy bills, lower their carbon footprint, and improve their overall sustainability. Eligible projects can include, but are not limited to, renewable energy installations, energy efficient equipment and building improvements. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 23rd November 2025
iv) Low Carbon Hub Green Fund
Energy Solutions Oxfordshire and West Oxfordshire District Council are running a scheme providing funding to local SMEs to support the implementation of energy saving recommendations in one of the Low Carbon Hub’s ESOx building energy assessment reports. Funding towards building fabric improvements, heating and ventilation, lighting systems and renewable energy generation and storage is included. Funding up to £10,000 is available.
Application Deadline: 11th March 2026
v) Tower Hamlets SME Sustainability Project
Tower Hamlets Council is providing a fully funded support programme to local businesses to help reduce their energy bills and footprint, including access to a consultant who helps identify ways for businesses to save on their bills, a free energy monitor and a £100 Gift Card to Amazon to help make some of the smaller changes that can save money.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Mid South West Driving Net Zero Transformation Programme
Mid South West Economic Region is providing a fully-funded programme to provide practical support to help local Northern Irish SMEs in the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Agri-food or Construction sectors to become more energy efficient and resilient.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Climate Resilience Net Zero 2025
Business Gateway Dumfries and Galloway is providing funding that aims to help local businesses to transition towards a Net Zero future. Eligible projects can include, but are not limited to, improvements to building fabric and equipment, waste minimisation, recovery and reprocessing and alternative low or zero carbon transport. Funding up to £3,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Green Loan Scheme
Staffordshire Business and Environment Network and Staffordshire County Council are providing loans to local businesses to spread the cost of implementing energy efficient measures to their premises, including fabric upgrades, installation of energy efficient equipment and heating and lighting improvements. Funding up to £200,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Energy Efficiency Schemes
Full details about how to apply for schemes and the eligibility criteria is available on each individual scheme page on the relevant website. Any deadlines, who can apply and what eligible costs the grants will cover will also be outlined on these pages. Interested businesses can speak to energy efficiency advisors based at each provider who can guide them through requirements and eligibility criteria to see if the relevant funding is a match with their needs and help them to apply. There are also application forms and other supporting guidance available on scheme pages as well.
Want To Find The Latest UK Business Energy Efficiency Funding Opportunities?
If you want to see the full set of UK energy efficiency funding and support currently available, please visit https://getbusinessgrants.com/