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.

Catalyst Digital Energy is an award-winning energy consultancy with a focus on digital energy services, total energy contract lifecycle management and energy management services. It is revolutionising how businesses manage energy with its unique Energy Spend Management Platform, which is powered by Robotic Process Automation (RPA) EaaSi®.

Catalyst is digitising all aspects of energy, including billing, data, consumption, spend, payments, procurement and emissions reporting. When combined with its fully funded renewable energy solutions, Catalyst offers a unique and powerful approach to managing energy.

For the 89% of UK businesses not yet measuring their business carbon footprint, the window to act is narrowing. Investors, customers and regulators increasingly expect businesses of all sizes to report on their environmental performance. Without a baseline business carbon footprint measurement, you have no foundation for a credible net zero strategy.

The practical steps to start measuring your business carbon footprint are simpler than many organisations expect. Scope 1 emissions from direct fuel combustion, Scope 2 from purchased electricity and key Scope 3 emissions from business travel can all be quantified using existing utility bills and travel data. Most UK businesses can produce a first business carbon footprint report within four to eight weeks of starting the process.

Catalyst Digital Energy helps UK businesses establish their baseline carbon footprint, set science-based reduction targets and produce compliant annual reporting. If you are ready to start measuring your business carbon footprint, speak to one of our energy consultants today.