Explore the future of sustainable business loans and how financing green equipment can drive your business towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future with Metro Finance.
Why Sustainability Matters in Business Finance
Sustainability is a key consideration for both business and consumers. Now more than ever, looking at business operations through the lens of being more environmentally conscious and sustainable has become paramount, but the impacts of this can be felt beyond shifting consumer preferences and public reputation: sustainability also has the power to drive efficiency and even put money back into the pockets of business owners.
The world is moving towards a greener economy, placing greater importance on businesses’ environmental and societal impacts than ever before. New technologies, systems and processes are helping businesses drive their own sustainable outcomes, with financing playing an important role in enabling this transition.
In this blog we’ll take-a-look at sustainable business loans, and what they could mean for securing a range of sustainable assets.
What Are Sustainable Business Loans?
In a nutshell, as the name suggest, a sustainable business loan is a form of financial product designed to support the acquisition of a range of sustainable assets to help businesses on their journey to reduce their environmental impact. This can include assets such as electric vehicles (EVs), chargers, solar panels and batteries, and even agricultural equipment and forklifts.
Sustainable business loans often offer discounted rates, and sometimes even more flexible terms than other business loan products. Thanks to a variety of State and Federal Government incentive programs, businesses may be able to purchase sustainable assets at a reduced rate or have things like stamp duty or fringe benefit tax (FBT) waived, making them more attractive than other assets.

Benefits of Financing Green Equipment
Aside from the immediate cost savings often attributed to sustainable assets, there are several other key advantages when it comes to financing green equipment, including:
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Many sustainable assets either consume less energy overall, or are powered by cheaper renewable fuel sources, such as electricity when compared to fossil fuels – this helps businesses save money.
Having the ability to recharge assets like electric vehicles on-site is also a benefit in reducing downtime, as they can recharge while the driver is at work or overnight when not in use during cheaper off-peak periods.
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Many of today’s consumers are conscious of their own environmental footprint and will align themselves with businesses that are doing their part to tackle sustainability too. In a recent Metro business survey 35.7 percent of respondents believed their business was well-respected in the community because of its sustainability efforts, while 26.4 per cent cited customers seeing sustainable business as industry leaders.
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State and Federal Government, along with various industry and sector bodies, are implementing a range of regulations to bring down Australia’s carbon emissions and encourage the uptake or greener technologies. Sustainable assets can help businesses meet their sustainability obligations and adhere to any current or future regulations that may come into force, potentially also avoiding future fines or additional charges incurred on less-sustainable technologies.
How Sustainable Business Loans Work
Let’s now take-a-look at the ins and outs of how to apply for a sustainable business loan with Metro’s MetroEco product:
Eligibility Criteria for Green Financing
Aside from applying to a relevant sustainable asset such as an electric vehicle, there may be specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet in order to secure a loan from a lender. Lenders may have different eligibility requirements depending on the finance product you choose. Eligibility requirements usually apply for both the asset whether it’s new or used, as well as the person or business applying. To find out more about eligibility with MetroEco, head here.


Application Process: What Businesses Need to Know
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, it’s time to apply for a business loan. Here are some things you need to know before making an application:
Credit History: Your credit history plays a significant role in the loan evaluation process. For example, when applying for finance with Metro, we consider factors such as credit score, payment history, and credit utilisation.
Loan Amount and Term: Metro assesses the loan amount being requested and the proposed loan term. The loan term is evaluated to ensure that it is reasonable and feasible for the borrower to repay the loan within the given timeframe.
Repayment Ability: When assessing a loan application, most lenders will also look at the applicant’s financial capability to make regular payments for the duration of the loan term.
To find out more, head to the MetroEco page or talk with one of our friendly brokers.
Future Trends in Sustainable Business Finance
Growing Demand for Eco-Friendly Business Models
Make no mistake, sustainability is fast becoming a major consideration for all types of businesses, both in Australia and around the world. New technology is playing a large part in making businesses more efficient and in some instances, saving them money. There is growing demand with consumers and business partners for eco-friendly business models, representing environmental and societal benefits.


Innovative Financing Solutions for Green Investments
Just as sustainability is introducing new ways of doing business, so too is it creating new financing solutions. Tapping into a range of government incentives and discounts, financiers like Metro are able to access government funds to help consumers and businesses finance green equipment, offering them attractive finance rates and flexible loan terms.
Why Choose Metro Finance for Sustainable Business Loans?
There are lots of reasons to consider Metro Finance for its sustainability-linked loans, with a range of innovative products and offers to suit your needs. Some of the main benefits of a Metro business loan include:
Tailored Financing Solutions
At Metro, we understand that every business is unique, and their requirements from an asset finance offer are just as diverse. We pride ourselves on offering individual tailored solutions for our customers, and our broker partners go the extra mile to ensure that Metro customers get the best deal possible.
Expertise in Green Equipment Funding
As an award-winning non-bank lender, we constantly strive to do things differently. Our MetroEco product, designed to support the purchase of a range of sustainable assets, is the first of its kind in Australia, and we are very proud to be leading the charge (pun-intended) with the Australian Government to support Australia’s transition to a more sustainable future.
Get Started with Sustainable Financing Today
Just as there are a range of sustainable technologies on offer to suit your business, there are lots of finance options to choose from as well. To find out more about sustainable business finance at Metro, start a conversation with one of our friendly brokers who will be able to provide advice and support.