1 Smaller businesses need a net zero boost
From regulatory push to consumer pull, decarbonisation impacts almost all businesses in the UK. Three-quarters (75%) of survey respondents either already have a net zero CO₂ strategy in place (47%) or are working towards one (28%), but the maturity of that process differs enormously based on the size of the business.
Large and listed businesses must publish Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) energy use and emissions within their financial reports. Scope 3 (supply chain) emissions reporting is optional, but organisations who do so can influence smaller partners’ strategies too. This scenario shows in the results:
How are businesses engaging with Net Zero?
2 Nearly all fleets are in transition to EV2 Electrifying cars is easier than vans
Fleet electrification is a cornerstone of businesses’ decarbonisation plans. Almost all (94%) of respondents with a net zero strategy have deployed electric vehicles, compared to just half (49%) of those who don’t have this initiative in place. Nine out of 10 fleets who have EVs (90%) said they had reduced their CO₂ emissions as a result.
3 Vans lagging behind cars on EV uptake
The UK will phase out new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and LCVs by 2035, and manufacturers must meet annual zero-emission vehicle (ZEV – battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell) sales targets in the meantime. Buy-in from fleets and businesses, which account for over half of new car registrations and the majority of LCVs, is vital to help avoid fines.
HOWEVER... uptake differs. With plenty of choice and strong tax incentives, electric vehicles had a 24% share of new company-owned car registrations during the first six months of 2024, according to the Department for Transport. That compares to just 5% of LCVs, which still have cost, payload and range compromises compared to diesel versions.
