Business leaders sceptical on Net Zero

Business leaders say they have more clarity on transition policy but remain sceptical that the Government can achieve its Net Zero target.

The latest BSI Net Zero Barometer report found that half of the 1,000 businesses surveyed believe the 2050 target is unachievable.

However, uncertainty over government transition policy fell this year, from 42% to 32%.

Almost two-thirds (64%) businesses surveyed also remain committed to their own Net Zero target by 2050 or sooner although many cited the cost of action against a challenging backdrop as the biggest hurdle.

BSI’s director-general of standards, Scott Steedman, said there had been a “hiatus in corporate activity”.

“But if the new government can demonstrate renewed political commitment towards a future clean energy landscape, there may be an opportunity for government and industry to reset their collective net zero ambitions and build momentum again.”