Only 30% of UK businesses have a Net Zero Strategy

12 Jan 2022

Less than a third of UK businesses have a strategy for reaching carbon neutrality, despite growing environmental concerns, research by Veolia shows. Despite the fact that all businesses have an impact on the environment, 42% of UK businesses feel overwhelmed by the steps they need to take to reach this goal.

The survey by YouGov, on behalf of Veolia, of over 1,000 senior business decision-makers, found that less than a third (29%) of UK businesses have a strategy for reaching carbon net zero. However, more than half (52%) of larger companies (250+ employees) surveyed had a net zero strategy and 61% of these also felt their reputation would be negatively affected if they failed to commit to achieving their carbon targets.

Positively, environmental concern was the biggest driver (72%) for businesses with a net zero strategy trying to meet their carbon targets, with reputation second (60%). Despite low numbers committing to a carbon net zero strategy, 80% of those who did are very confident of achieving their goals.

Other key points were:

Investment (40%) and Government legislation (39%) were the most popular types of support businesses with a net zero strategy would like to see to reach their carbon targets. Twelve per cent said they did not need any external support.
56% of those businesses with a net zero strategy have set a budget for their carbon strategy.
40% of UK businesses surveyed are currently employing third parties for carbon offsetting practices.

Said Gavin Graveson, Senior Executive Vice President of Veolia Northern Europe Zone:

“Just over 40% of UK businesses may feel overwhelmed by the steps they need to take to reach carbon neutrality, but every step businesses take makes a difference to our planet, protecting it for future generations. We need to see more industries commit to a robust strategy to reduce their environmental impact, whether that be through use of electric vehicles, cleaner energy supplies or reduced packaging. In the wake of COP26, we need to work together, share expertise, innovate and research new sustainable solutions so carbon net zero can become a reality, rather than a goal.”