Despite their genuine desire to hit the government’s 2050 net zero target, business leaders do not fully understand the implications for their companies.

This is among the findings of standards body, BSI’s first Net Zero Barometer Report, which surveys 1,000 senior decision makers and sustainability professionals in the UK. Some 64% of those BSI surveyed were not confident they fully understood what impact it could have for their firm, with 82% stating that they require more guidance if they are to achieve the target.

The study found that 70% of respondents had made or were considering making a solid commitment to achieving the goal. This commitment dwindles for the UK’s small business community, with just one in five having committed to a net zero target.

BSI says that with smaller businesses accounting for 99.9% of all UK firms and half of business-related emissions, this lack of commitment could severely undermine the overall net zero progress in the UK.

Scott Steedman, director-general of standards at BSI said: “Despite the pressures posed by the pandemic, it is incredibly positive that there is growing, wide-spread commitment from business leaders to achieve net zero by 2050. As the UK National Standards Body, BSI is ideally positioned to partner with organisations to build a standards strategy for them and their sectors that will support their sustainability ambitions. We call for organisations of every size across every industry to join us in shaping the best practices that will accelerate the journey to net zero and create a healthier and more sustainable world for the coming generations.”

Amongst the sectors showing the most awareness and commitment were IT and manufacturing, with healthcare and education at the other end of the scale.

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