Smaller businesses responsible for 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions from companies

Financial costs are a major barrier for small businesses

Smaller businesses account for almost a third (30%) of all current UK greenhouse gas emissions and 50% of total emissions from UK businesses, according to British Business Bank research.

In its latest report, Smaller businesses and the transition to net zero, the firm surveyed 1,200 small businesses and analysed public data sources to highlight the collective influence of UK smaller businesses and the contribution they could make to wider net zero objectives. More than three-quarters of businesses (76%) are yet to implement decarbonisation strategies, capabilities and actions, according to bank estimates, while just 3% of smaller businesses surveyed said they have measured their carbon footprint in the past five years and set an emissions reduction target. New net zer...