Accessing green business loans for Australian businesses
- Jenny Fentino
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
Green Business Loans are starting to play a bigger role in Australia’s lending market. For business owners and property investors, they offer finance with a purpose, funding that improves energy efficiency, reduces emissions, and cuts long-term costs.
Why it matters to self-employed entrepreneurs
Running a business is tough enough. Rising energy bills and stricter compliance rules make it harder. Green Business Loans let you invest in solar, electric vehicles, efficient equipment, and sustainable property upgrades. That reduces operating costs and helps your brand meet customer and investor expectations.
Who are the main lenders?
Commonwealth Bank launched its Business Green Loan in 2024 to help SMEs fund renewable upgrades.
NAB partners with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to provide discounted loans for green equipment and agribusiness projects.
Westpac and ANZ offer sustainability-linked financing, often tied to larger corporates.
Non-bank lenders like Firstmac and HSBC Australia also provide green finance options.
Behind the scenes, the CEFC is the largest player, with more than $30 billion in committed capital supporting projects across the country.
Key facts and figures
Green commercial loans remain small but growing, around $10 billion in commercial property debt, about 3% of the market.
CEFC investments in 2024 leveraged more than $25 billion in clean energy projects.
Demand is rising fast as businesses see sustainability as both a cost-saver and a competitive edge.
The opportunity
For Australia’s 2.5 million self-employed operators and SMEs, the chance is clear. Accessing a Green Business Loan can help lower costs, improve borrowing capacity, and create long-term asset value. The market is early stage, which means forward-thinking entrepreneurs can get ahead.