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August 2023 - Business Support

Just a third of UK SMEs say they are 'extremely confident' about how they reach net zero emissions: A survey of SMEs has revealed that just a third of SMEs are feeling extremely confident on how their organisation can reach net zero, with 47% saying they feel 'slightly confident'.

The survey by BSI polled 1,000 decision makers at small and medium-sized businesses across the UK, finding that awareness about net zero and the importance of reducing emissions is at an all time high, with 82% saying they recognise its importance and the importance of setting targets for their organisation. The survey also found that the proportion of leaders who have full understanding of the meaning of net zero and a true understanding of The Climate Change Act has risen from 21% to 43% in the last two years.

While just 17% of the SMEs polled said they had not made any changes within their organisation to become more sustainable, some of the measures taken are at a very top level such as reducing waste (44%) or swapping energy hungry light fittings with energy-efficient bulbs (38%). 

The research also found that 21%  have a policy on net zero of some sort with 18% saying it is a policy that everyone in their company is aware of. Just one in five reports that they are measuring and reporting progress to cut emissions in a standard way. This says BSI suggests that many SMEs are failing to embed net-zero transition into their strategic planning. Looking at the barriers to doing so, the survey found that cost is the main obstacle and the top reason cited as the biggest factor that could inhibit progress. The number one barrier reported by respondents was the cost of living crisis (63%) followed by the energy price crisis (50%). When looking at the benefits of becoming more sustainable and working towards net zero, the prospect of reduced costs was cited by 39% of respondents. 

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