"Only 65% of UK firms have plan to cut emissions to net zero, study shows," 11 September 2024

Just 65% of UK businesses have a plan to reduce their emissions to net zero by the 2050 deadline, the largest ever industry survey has revealed.

The report covering 2,005 organisations across all sizes and sectors by UK Business Climate Hub, which included the CBI, the Institute of Directors and the British Chambers of Commerce, found that only half of those surveyed were even measuring their carbon footprint.

Those that did have a plan to meet net zero carbon emissions – which means they and their supply chain would not emit more greenhouse gas emissions than they absorbed – reported that there were many barriers in place that may make the target impossible to meet.

Specific barriers identified in the report... included post-Brexit regulatory uncertainty...

Companies also reported that infrastructure including transport was not green enough, and there had not been enough government and financial support to boost energy efficiency, renewables and other carbon-saving measures. Ninety-two percent of organisations said improved government support would be beneficial, for giving information and advice on emissions reductions, helping to finance the transition, and having stable long-term regulatory policies.

The report also ranks the sectors making the most progress to net zero. The IT and communications sector fares best, with 68% of companies having a plan to meet net zero. The worst is the financial sector, with 52% companies signed up to the target...