UK Net Zero Business Census launched

02/05/2024

The largest-ever research initiative of its kind has been launched this week to establish a benchmark for the private sector’s contribution to the UK’s 2050 net-zero target. IEMA is among a coalition of leading organisations that have partnered with the Business Climate Hub and Planet Mark to deliver the UK Net Zero Business Census, which will run until 30 June. The annually recurring survey will establish the proportion of businesses with net-zero targets, the number measuring their carbon footprint, and actions taken by companies to reduce their footprints. It will also provide a regional, sector and business-size breakdown of the data, providing insights to policy makers, investors and business leaders into the nation’s net-zero journey. “This is the most ambitious survey ever undertaken on the state of UK business’ progress to achieving net zero,” said Planet Mark’s director of policy and partnerships, Andrew Griffiths. “Through working with so many like-minded partners, we will be able to reach thousands of businesses across the country to understand the commitments and actions they are taking to drive positive change for society, business and nature.” The coalition of partners delivering the census also hope the results will inform the policy and investment decisions needed to ensure business success during the net-zero transition, and foster collaboration across political parties. Furthermore, by sharing success stories and highlighting best practices, the census aims to inspire companies to take significant steps towards achieving their climate ambitions. All UK-based businesses are invited to take part in the survey, which involves 10 multiple-choice questions and should take approximately 7 minutes. Respondents will enter a prize draw, with potential rewards including subscription’s to IEMA’s Transform magazine, free carbon clinics with a sustainability expert, and more. “The Net Zero Census will provide an annual benchmark for the business community on our journey to a low carbon economy,” said Edward Lockhart, convener of the IEMA-backed Broadway Initiative. “It will give government, business leaders and the financial community a richer dataset than we’ve ever had before to take stock of progress and what more needs to be done.”