Lombard is the currently the UK’s largest provider of asset finance and its dedicated Green Energy Finance team form part of The Royal Bank of Scotland’s (RBS) Sustainable Energy Forum.

The business was one of the first asset finance funders to enter the green energy market and, as a founding member of Lombard’s Green Energy team Sonpal has played a prominent role from the outset.

Talking of his success, Sonpal said: “It goes without saying that it was a great honour to be short-listed with so many distinguished people in the industry, and to be presented with the award itself is a tremendous privilege.

“I’m genuinely passionate about what I do and the benefits that green energy can provide our UK customers businesses - I feel this recognition is for something that I enjoy. I hope to continue to support Lombard’s customers green energy needs for many years to come.”

The judges were impressed by Hiten Sonpal’s achievements in the green energy finance sector, having established himself as one of the leading advocates in the UK for green energy finance and one of the architects of Lombard’s green finance offering.

The judges offered particular praise for Sonpal’s commitment to educating and expanding this crucial market.

Richard Cameron, head of green and wholesale finance at Lombard said: “Hiten Sonpal has made a significant contribution to raising awareness of green energy not just with Lombard customers but across the wider market. He has travelled the length and breadth of the country spreading the benefits of investment in green energy and sharing his experiences, delivering over 250 presentations to UK businesses in the process.

“He is a true advocate of green energy and all it has to offer.”

James Holian, executive sponsor for sustainable energy at RBS, added: “I am delighted that Hiten Sonpal from our Lombard Green Energy Finance team has won Business Green's 2015 Young Sustainability Executive of the Year award. This award recognises Hiten's outstanding work in supporting our customer's sustainable energy aspirations. I am hugely grateful for Hiten's contributions.”

Nearly 450 UK businesses received support from Lombard Green Energy Finance in 2014, many of them benefiting from Sonpal’s wide knowledge of the sector.

One of these customers is Malaby Biogas, an operational and advisory service within the construction, waste and renewable energy industries.

Thomas Minter, director of Malaby Biogas Added: “The enthusiasm and creativity of Hiten and his team to complete the transaction within a tight time line is fantastic to see. It is a pleasure to see such enthusiasm in this day and age.”