The 2025 UK Net Zero Business Census has been published, offering the largest and most comprehensive snapshot of how organisations across the country are progressing on their path to net zero
Run by the UK Business Climate Hub in partnership with Planet Mark, Sage, and more than 50 major business groups, the annual census is endorsed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Net Zero Council. It provides a national benchmark on where UK businesses stand on carbon measurement, sustainability practices and climate-related challenges.
Alongside the main Summary Report, the British Business Bank has released a dedicated “SMEs and Net Zero” report, drawing on responses from more than 1,700 small and medium-sized companies to uncover the specific pressures and support needs affecting smaller firms.
Across more than 2,000 organisations surveyed, the Census highlights:
- Progress on carbon measurement, with more firms beginning to track emissions, though many still struggle with the complexity of reporting frameworks.
- Energy efficiency improvements, as businesses continue investing in upgrades such as LED lighting, insulation and efficient equipment.
- Waste-reduction efforts, including increased recycling, reduced packaging and more circular-economy practices.
- Key barriers to action, particularly rising costs, limited time and resource, and supply chain constraints that make it harder for organisations—especially SMEs—to accelerate their plans.
The Census is designed to help businesses understand how their own climate strategies compare to national trends and to identify areas where further support, investment or policy clarity may be needed.
Both the Summary Report and the SME-specific findings provide a valuable resource for organisations looking to assess their current progress and plan their next steps toward achieving net-zero goals.
