UK organisations show rising net zero ambition despite financial pressures, new survey finds

Half of UK firms now formally committed to carbon neutrality as leadership engagement and staff participation strengthen

Almost half of UK organisations have now made formal commitments to achieve net zero carbon emissions, signalling a broad cultural shift towards sustainability across sectors, according to new research.

TEAM Energy’s Carbon Countdown: Progress Towards Net Zero report, based on responses from more than 100 UK organisations, found that 49 per cent have pledged to reach net zero, with 34 per cent targeting 2030 and 26 per cent aligning with the government’s 2050 goal. 

Corporate social responsibility and brand reputation were identified as key motivators, cited by 56 per cent and 53 per cent of respondents respectively. While financial and structural barriers persist, the findings suggest that organisations are increasingly embedding sustainability within their core strategy rather than treating it as a peripheral objective.

Leadership involvement is playing an increasingly significant role, with almost three-quarters of respondents reporting moderate or strong participation from senior management, indicating that sustainability is now being driven from the top. Many organisations said this visible leadership is fostering a shared sense of purpose and helping to embed climate goals within workplace culture.

Employee engagement is also rising, particularly among younger staff. Respondents said that carbon reduction initiatives have led to operational efficiencies and a stronger sense of pride within their teams. Financial assistance and training remain the most sought-after forms of support, with 73 per cent calling for funding and 64 per cent highlighting the need for education and professional development to sustain momentum.

Across industries, energy efficiency improvements emerged as the most common decarbonisation measure, adopted by 79 per cent of organisations. Waste reduction and recycling initiatives followed closely at 76 per cent, while 59 per cent are investing in renewable energy and 52 per cent are implementing behavioural change programmes. Many are also advancing fleet electrification, sustainable procurement, and carbon offsetting, signalling a diverse and pragmatic approach to emissions reduction.

The report, published today, suggests that different sectors are progressing at varying speeds. Government bodies are leading the way, with 45 per cent targeting net zero by 2030 and 70 per cent implementing measures such as vehicle fleet electrification and energy efficiency upgrades. Charities and trusts are demonstrating strong intent, with 60 per cent aiming for net zero between 2030 and 2040, often driven by community values and leadership commitment. Educational institutions show comparable ambition, with 40 per cent targeting 2030, though many cite the challenges of maintaining older estates and limited staff resources.

Respondents described a growing sense of optimism, noting that public transparency and peer benchmarking are driving faster progress. Some said that competitor activity—such as the public disclosure of emissions data—has encouraged their own organisations to act more decisively.

TEAM Energy, an employee-owned consultancy that helps organisations with large energy estates to reduce consumption, lower emissions, and meet compliance and commercial targets, said the results present a promising picture of the UK’s journey towards net zero, marked by determination, creativity, and cross-sector collaboration.

“The Carbon Countdown survey paints a promising picture of the UK’s journey toward net zero—one marked by rising ambition and a growing culture of climate responsibility,” it added. “While challenges remain, particularly around funding and infrastructure, organisations are demonstrating resilience, creativity, and a clear desire to lead by example. With strong leadership, engaged teams, and a diverse mix of strategies already in motion, the path to a low-carbon future is not only possible—it’s actively being built. TEAM Energy is proud to support this momentum and will continue to champion the insights, innovation, and action driving meaningful change across the UK.”

READ MORE: ‘Redress and UN network call for fashion industry to meet sustainability goals‘. Fashion is under pressure to clean up its supply chains, with campaigners warning that the sector lags behind on climate and social targets. At the UN General Assembly in New York, Redress and the UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network set out how designers are trying to close the gap.

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