Survey finds only one in 10 businesses measuring carbon footprintover 1,000 businesses surveyed in the UK, only 11% are measuring their carbon footprint.

Joint research by the British Chambers of Commerce and telecommunications company O2 found that, of over 1,000 businesses surveyed in the UK, only 11% are measuring their carbon footprint.

This figure falls to 9% for small businesses and 5% for microbusinesses, with fewer than 10 employees. In contrast, 26% of larger firms, with over 50 employees are measuring their footprint.

One-third of respondents have yet to seek advice or information to help improve their environmental sustainability, with 22% admitting they do not fully understand the term ‘net zero’.

The research also found that smaller firms were more likely to be behind on climate action, with only 9% of microbusinesses having set carbon reduction targets compared to 27% of larger firms.

The survey cited high upfront adaptation costs (34%) and a lack of available finance (30%) as the main barriers preventing respondents from making their businesses more sustainable.

In response to the findings, the British Chambers of Commerce and O2 have launched a free online hub to help businesses find out how to set targets, develop an overall net zero strategy and measure their carbon footprints.

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