• Survey of 1,000+ UK business leaders finds more than half (53%) have changed how they promote their net zero actions in the last year in direct response to climate scepticism
• Operational efficiency is now a primary motivator (37% for action on net zero, while motivation as a result of consumer demand has fallen significantly since 2025
• 91% of businesses want assistance in accelerating their transition, with a strong focus on financial incentives and practical, skills-based training
14 April 2026 – More than three-quarters of UK business leaders (79%) say they will continue to pursue net zero regardless of current political uncertainty, citing the business benefits of doing so. This finding is revealed in the UK’s 6th annual Net Zero Barometer, part of a wider G7 study published today by BSI (British Standards Institution), the UK’s national standards body.
The report, based on a survey of more than 1,000 senior business leaders across the UK conducted in February, finds that an increase in climate scepticism within politics would be considered a financial risk, with nearly half of UK businesses (48%) viewing it as an economic threat both to their business and the wider UK economy (49%). This compares with 30% who said they would view it as an opportunity for their business. Overall, the study has highlighted a steadfast commitment from UK businesses, the vast majority (82%) of which say they remain committed to achieving net zero, demonstrating a return to 2024 levels of optimism.
However, a majority (53%) say they have changed the way they communicate or promote the action they take towards ‘net zero’ in the last 12 months, in response to climate scepticism in media or political circles. This is part of an overall trend of businesses, termed ‘climate coding’ by BSI, meaning “reframing net zero in terms of resilience, risk management and business continuity, rather than focusing on the environmental impact.”
The research also identified current motivations behind taking net zero action. Operational efficiency and cost savings were the most common drivers, with 33% of business leaders citing these as their top motivators and 22% citing market competitiveness. This indicates that businesses increasingly view decarbonisation through a commercial lens rather than a purely environmental one, further evidenced by the four in five businesses who believe failing to prepare for climate change carries significant operational and financial risks.
Susan Taylor Martin, Chief Executive, BSI said: “Recent geopolitical events have brought into stark focus the need for a societal shift towards renewable sources of energy. They have also shown the importance of adopting a resilience mindset when it comes to climate change, focusing on risk mitigation, supply chain management and future preparedness. What’s clear is that many business leaders are already thinking this way, and have recognised that the cost of not investing in net zero could threaten their operations in the long term. The next step is to bridge the gap between ambition and action through climate risk adaptation measures.
“Uncertainty and disruption are increasingly the defining characteristics of the global economy. Our role as BSI is to provide clarity, consistency and trust through standards, as businesses globally grapple with the transition to a net zero future.”
While commitment remains high, barriers persist. Cost is still the most significant barrier for business in taking climate action, with around a third (31%) citing it as a barrier. This figure dropped notably from 53% in 2025, though forthcoming cost concerns owing to the oil crisis resulting from the conflict in Iran will likely continue to weight down on businesses globally.
This fuels a clear demand for more guidance and support. The study reveals that nine in ten UK businesses want assistance to accelerate their transition. 88% want greater government support, such as financial incentives, to enable their business to reach net zero but respondents also identified significant need for practical support, including training programs to upskill employees (36%) and industry-specific guidance to help select and implement standards (32%).
Sebastiaan Van Dort, Director of Sustainability and Energy, BSI, said: “The research shows that sceptics who argue against net zero action are out of step with the business community. Away from the headlines and the charged public debate on this topic, business leaders are increasingly viewing net zero actions through a commercially focused and financial lens. In many cases they are engaging in “climate coding” by framing the action they take in terms of its sound economic proposition and the diverse other forms of value it brings.”
Other key findings from the report include:
• Confidence is growing: 60% of UK businesses are confident they will achieve net zero by 2050, a 5% increase from 2025.
• Resilience is key: 76% of businesses believe net zero efforts are important for their future business resilience, and 72% agree that climate change could disrupt their supply chains.
• Action is increasing: Two-thirds (66%) of UK businesses have increased the level of action they have taken on net zero in the last 12 months.
Read the full report here.
