CCC launch a report presenting a set of benchmarks to guide an effective business response to Net Zero, alongside key actions for Government to unlock this.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) convened an expert advisory group to provide input from their respective fields around the different ways in which UK businesses can accelerate progress towards Net Zero, the barriers holding this back, and the opportunities that can be unlocked if business and Government take decisive action
One of the Key Messages from the Expert Advisory Group emphasises that Net Zero presents commercial and economic opportunities for the UK, and decisive action on Net Zero is central to UK business competitiveness.
Secondly, the private sector can support efforts for Net Zero beyond reducing operational emissions, by enabling change through supply chains and in broader society.
However a number of key barriers are currently holding back private sector action, including inconsistency across voluntary business initiatives, delays to the provision of key infrastructure, the perceived higher cost of certain Net Zero interventions and limited finance and capacity – particularly among smaller businesses.
Ultimately, realising the full potential of business to support efforts towards Net Zero depends on Government addressing these barriers and putting in place a set of clear and consistent policies, incentives and regulations.
Climate Change Committee’s proposals to strengthen business action are framed around “Five I’s”:
Integrity and transparency of impact and actions
Investment into low carbon solutions
Implementing Net Zero through supply chains, procurement and infrastructure
Innovative industries and workers
Influence on business and society
