Report from Q Energy shows over 50% of Greater Manchester businesses have no awareness of the UK’s Net-Zero ambitions

2 years ago

As COP26 continues in Glasgow a recent report of Greater Manchester businesses showed an alarming lack of awareness of the UK’s net-zero ambitions. There was good news though when it came to the motivation for introducing net-zero practices with most businesses saying their motivation was to achieve environmental and sustainable goals and a good number of businesses already making changes to their businesses.

The report “It Starts Here: The Road to Net-Zero for GM Businesses”, produced by Q Energy and supported by results from the GM Chambers’ Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey also highlighted the issues and challenges businesses faced when wanting to make a start on their net-zero journey.

Vijay Natarajan Founder and COO of Q Energy said: “This report could not have come at a better time with the eyes of the world on Glasgow and the acceptance that we really are at a critical point as regards net-zero. The race to a sustainable future isn’t just a race, it’s a team sport with everyone having to play their part. This especially includes the UK's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), a sector that accounts for over 99.9% of UK businesses and contributes to 50% of all commercial emissions across the country.”

“It is very worrying then when 55% of businesses say they are unaware of the UK’s net-zero ambitions. We would have hoped to have seen a much lower number than this. The question around challenges faced highlighted the lack of information around net-zero, carbon measurements and reporting as being the main issue faced with 49% of businesses citing this closely followed by high up-front costs of solutions and services.”

“The better news came from the question focussed on the motivation for starting net-zero activity with 57% saying they were doing it for environmental and sustainability goals rather than efficiency gains and/or cost savings (35%). This is surprising considering we’ve just come out of a pandemic and finances for many businesses are an increasing worry.”

“The final question focussed on what businesses were already doing on their net-zero journey with many undertaking a range of actions including practical changes such as LED lighting, turning down appliances as well as planning to install on-site renewable generation such as solar panels or battery storage.”

“It is quite clear from the report that Greater Manchester businesses care about creating a sustainable future with active plans for the next 12 months and beyond though some still see this as an expensive option. At Q Energy we believe that there is a key part to play in a data-driven approach to this around remote monitoring of equipment and developing a smart carbon reduction platform with web and mobile app interfaces. But first of course it’s vital businesses understand their carbon footprint so they can tackle the priority areas first and we can help them do this.”

“We have set up the Energy Savers Club and a free Net-Zero Reporting tool that allows businesses to calculate their carbon footprints and their carbon reduction targets. Now, more than ever, action and practical help should be at the forefront of any message around net-zero and at Q Energy we can help businesses with this and achieve the ambitious target of GM becoming net-zero way ahead of the government’s 2050 target.”

Chris Fletcher Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber said: “It is great to have had Q Energy support the QES on such a major issue. Net-zero is in everybody’s line of sight at present but it’s clear that whilst some businesses have made a start much more needs to be done. We will be working with Q Energy to help our members make that important first step on the road to net-zero.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Copies of the report can be accessed at https://www.gmchamber.co.uk/media/3850098/it-starts-here-report-final.pdf

Businesses can get their FREE Net-Zero report here: https://netzero.qenergy.ai/

Questions about businesses energy use or to become Net-Zero, get in touch at info@qenergy.ai / 0161 706 0980

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About Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is the largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK, providing business support to approximately 4,500 members who collectively employ 446,000 people, around one-third of Greater Manchester’s workforce. Recognised as a leader in its field, Greater Manchester Chamber’s reputation in government circles has grown locally and nationally. At the heart of the area of greatest economic intensity outside London and the South East, the Chamber is the primary body for business support, policy, representation and networking. The Chamber is an independent, not-for-profit private company and its aim is to support businesses and help create the best climate for the region to prosper. This is achieved by ensuring that those taking decisions on key issues such as transport, taxation and business regulation hear the voice of our members. The representation of our members’ views is central to the work of the policy team at the Chamber; these views are gathered in a range of ways including our local councils, policy committees, sector councils, the main Chamber council, focus groups, meetings with politicians and consultations. The Chamber also offers a range of networking forums across Greater Manchester, free as part of membership, plus a variety of other events and services designed to benefit specific sectors or individuals and help businesses to grow.

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