Small and medium-sized enterprises in Britain are lagging in climate commitments, with only 13% classified as net zero ready. Upcoming UK Sustainability Reporting Standards will require compliance by 2026, yet progress towards decarbonisation is stagnant. Two-thirds of SMEs lack knowledge of key greenhouse gas categories. While many perceive sustainability as a barrier, there is potential for additional income of £52,000 per year with improved sustainability efforts. Spending on greener practices remains minimal compared to potential income benefits, indicating a gap in addressing climate goals effectively.
Britain's small and medium-sized enterprises are falling behind on climate commitments, with just one in eight classed as "net zero ready" as tougher sustainability reporting rules approach.
Only 13 percent of SMEs have so far put in place the formal measurements and commitments needed to cut emissions to net zero by 2050, a figure that has not improved since 2024.
Two-thirds of respondents said they had never heard of Scope 1, 2, or 3 emissions, highlighting a significant knowledge gap among SMEs regarding greenhouse gas reporting.
Despite concerns, SMEs estimated they could generate an additional £52,000 in income each year by improving their sustainability credentials.
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