Interest free business loans from the Carbon Trust.
Helping businesses upgrade equipment and cut energy costs.
Upgrading to the latest energy efficient equipment can help many companies reduce energy costs, modernise production and become more competitive. And with few businesses keen to take out loans for capital investment right now, the Carbon Trust’s government funded 0% business loans are the perfect solution.
The Carbon Trust’s 0% loans: benefits for purchasers and suppliers:
Businesses can acquire the latest equipment, effectively paid for with the monthly energy savings that it produces
Suppliers of energy efficient equipment can grow their market
Reduced carbon emissions help to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change.
What equipment is eligible?
Examples of eligible equipment include lighting, refrigeration, air conditioning, power units,boilers, air compressors and power drives, with applications approved on the basis of theexpected energy savings. While not a ‘replacement’, insulation may also qualify under the scheme as the loan would be paid off with the energy savings that result from its use.
Loans up to £400,000.
Loan limits have recently been increased and amounts of between £3,000 and £400,000 arenow available.
Repayment periods.
Repayment periods are set at a maximum of four years, with monthly repayments calculatedto be covered by energy savings. Once the loan is fully paid off, the continued savings onenergy costs will go straight to the company’s bottom line.
Eligibility criteria.
The following are eligible:
· SMEs, defined as companies with fewer than 250 full time employees and with less than €50 million in turnover (approximately £43m) or less than €43 million in assets (approximately £37m).
· Larger businesses that don’t fall under the Carbon Reduction Commitment should now also qualify for a loan – this typically equates to those that spend less than £500,000 a year on electricity.
In order to comply with EU guidelines on State Aid, companies operating in agriculture, fisheries, transport or export-related activities are not eligible. (For businesses not eligible for a 0% loan, alternative energy-saving advice and support can be found at www.carbontrust.co.uk)
No security or arrangement fees required – and a decision in 24 hours.
Loans are granted on an unsecured basis and there are no arrangement fees to pay.
Applications get a response within 24 hours.
A straightforward application process.
While businesses need to support their applications with full details of the proposed energysaving project and the estimated energy savings, these can be provided by the supplier of the new equipment. More information about applying for a loan is available at www.carbontrust.co.uk/loans. Help with applications is also available on 0800 917 3030.
Workshops and support.
For businesses that don’t have a specific upgrade in mind, the Carbon Trust offers freeworkshops, on-site energy surveys and consultancy support to help them identify promising energy-reducing technologies. More information is available at www.carbontrust.co.uk.
Help for suppliers.
At a time when businesses are finding it hard to get the capital they need, our 0% loans are avery useful deal closer for suppliers of energy efficient equipment. Information Suppliers willfind advice on helping their customers apply for a loan at www.carbontrust.co.uk/suppliers and on 0800 917 3030.
About the Carbon Trust.
The Carbon Trust is an independent, non-profit company. It was set up by the Government towork with
