If you’re a business based in Scotland looking to cut energy use, lower costs, and reduce your carbon footprint, there’s a range of funding and guidance available to help you make it happen. Here’s a summary of some of the options available:
❇️ SME Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme
Managed through Business Energy Scotland, this scheme offers interest-free loans of up to £100K to small and medium-sized enterprises aiming to invest in energy-saving upgrades. The loan is repayable over 8 years. Eligible projects can include anything from switching to LED lighting and improving insulation to installing more efficient heating systems or renewable technologies like solar panels.
In some cases, you could also benefit from cashback offers, reducing your payback period and upfront investment. At the time of writing, installing Voltage Optimisation attracts a 75% cashback up to £20,000 ,which often takes the return on investment down to around 6 months
❇️ Scottish National Investment Bank
For larger or more innovative projects with potential to significantly cut emissions or transform energy use, the Scottish National Investment Bank may provide tailored investment support. While it doesn’t offer traditional grants, the bank finances mission-driven projects aligned with Scotland’s transition to a net zero economy — which can include clean energy and energy efficiency infrastructure.
❇️ Business Energy Scotland – Free Advice & Support
This government-backed service provides expert help to businesses looking to save energy. Their support includes:
- One-to-one consultations and site assessments
- Guidance on cost-effective improvements
- Help accessing loans or other funding – an energy report is mandatory in order to access the SME loan
- Tools to forecast savings in energy and emissions
- Their advice is free, impartial, and tailored to your specific business needs.
❇️ Local Council Support
Depending on your location, your local authority might offer additional help in the form of grants, low-interest loans, or technical guidance. These schemes vary by region and availability, so it’s a good idea to contact your local council or economic development team to find out what’s currently on offer.
❇️ UK-Wide Opportunities
Although energy policy is devolved, businesses in Scotland may still benefit from UK Government programmes when they’re available. These may include capital investment funds, innovation competitions, or tax breaks for installing energy-saving technologies.
Keep an eye on updates from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), which oversees UK-level energy and climate funding.
✅ How to Get Started
- Assess your current energy use – an audit or professional review will help identify the biggest opportunities to save.
- Connect with Business Energy Scotland – their advisors can guide you through the funding landscape and help you plan your improvements.
- Monitor new funding rounds – funding schemes often change or launch with short deadlines, so staying informed is key to making the most of support when it becomes available.
With the right tools, support, and financial backing, Scottish businesses can lead the way in cutting energy waste, reducing costs, and helping deliver a low-carbon future.
The Here’s the Plan team can help you identify potential funding sources and make the application as well as project manage any energy efficiency initiatives. We work closely with a range of specially vetted suppliers who meet our standards for both quality and value who we can confidently recommend. Why not get in contact with us:
☎️ 01738474630
✉️ theteam@herestheplan.co.uk
