Largest UK net zero study: businesses prioritising change but face barriers

73% of organisations in the investigation say they transition is high on the agenda over the next 12 months, but more than half face obstacles and need more support. 

2,005 firms and organisations participated in the UK Net Zero Business Census, and 65% confirmed they have a carbon neutral target of 2050. 48% aim to achieve this by 2030. 

Almost half (46%) said they had been asked for carbon data by their customers, including 37% of SMEs. However, financing, outdated infrastructure, regulatory uncertainty, lack of trusted information and low expertise presented major problems, especially for smaller teams. Overall, 73% of respondents said that barriers including these issues were holding them back. 

‘The leadership shown by many UK organisations in the census is deeply inspiring, helping accelerate our collective progress towards a more sustainable future. Despite these significant strides, substantial challenges remain, particularly for small and medium size enterprises who often lack the same access to resources available to larger organisations,’ said Ed Lockhart, Convener of Broadway Initiative, which manages UK Business Climate Hub.

‘To address these disparities and drive collective action for all, we recognise the need for greater partnership between government and business to develop sector-specific decarbonisation pathways and guidance, as well as enhanced financial mechanisms and expanding trusted information resources like the UK Business Climate Hub,’ he continued. ‘Such measures are crucial for ensuring a smooth and effective transition towards a net zero economy.’

More on climate change and net zero: 

Four UK UNESCO Heritage Sites ‘most at risk’ from climate change

Essex County Council launches free business training for net zero transition

72% of G20 citizens now support criminalising environmental damage

Image: Alesia Kazantceva