New Report Highlights Key Barriers to Net Zero Targets

Nearly one third of UK and Irish businesses don’t believe they will meet their 2030 emissions targets, according to recent research from Centrica Business Solutions. While sustainability remains a top priority, barriers to progress include budget constraints, infrastructure limitations and data and technology gaps. 

The research surveyed 500 businesses across a wide range of sizes and sectors in Europe and the UK and reveals the top three barriers to decarbonisation: 

• -46% say budget constraints are their biggest challenge 

• -44% are held back by infrastructure limitations 

• -41% cite a lack of access to data and technology 

Despite these challenges and the resulting concern over reaching targets, the vast majority of businesses have formal sustainability plans in place and remain committed to reducing emissions: 

• -81% plan to adopt on-site energy generation, such as solar power and battery storage 

• -81% intend to upgrade to energy-efficient infrastructure 

• -78% cite plans to invest in energy management software 

• -83% intend to collaborate with third parties to help them achieve their targets  

Although these plans are encouraging, making the transition will be difficult without a proactive strategy and the right support.  

Investing in Energy Resilience  

Additionally, the report highlights the difference between energy resilient and energy vulnerable businesses. Central to energy resilience is a strategic investment in sustainability; a proactive approach to energy management that leverages new technologies and data to optimise efficiency.  

The research details that 44% of businesses say that they struggle to justify the upfront investment in new energy technologies, despite the potential for long-term cost reductions. Overcoming these initial obstacles and ensuring alignment of stakeholder priorities is key to unlocking the many benefits of investing in renewable energy technology beyond cost savings, including government incentives, tax credits, revenue generation opportunities, energy independence and regulatory compliance to name a few.  

Why This Matters 

The study highlights that nearly half of businesses in the UK and Ireland see energy security and resilience as a major threat to their operations, particularly as they continue to struggle with grid limitations and fluctuating energy prices. 

With pressure mounting from regulators, investors and customers to improve ESG performance, businesses can’t afford to stand still when it comes to achieving sustainability goals.  

Building Energy Resilience with Smarter Business  

It’s a common misconception that working towards net zero comes at the expense of profitability. With the right strategy, it can drive cost savings and ultimately increase revenue through greater efficiency, lower energy bills and improved brand value. 

Smarter Business understands the complexities and is here to help. From energy efficiency planning and green energy sourcing, to commercial solar PV systems and carbon offsetting, we help businesses overcome many of the barriers to net zero targets. We provide a wide range of services designed to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals.  

Net Zero Carbon Services: Smarter Business can help you phase in energy-saving efforts or completely overhaul your energy portfolio to help you achieve net zero status. We have partnered with reputable green energy suppliers that guarantee that your energy is being sourced sustainably. Additionally, Smarter Business can help your business reduce your climate impact by offsetting your unavoidable emissions with high-impact carbon credits from Gold Standard-certified projects.  

Commercial Solar Solutions: With over 80% of businesses planning on-site energy generation, commercial solar is a powerful first step. Our solar specialists design and install systems tailored to your building, business needs and energy profile, with ROI in mind. From initial suitability assessments and energy audits to professional installation, we make the transition to solar simple and achievable with different financing options available. 

In addition, our SmarterView dashboard gives you real-time data insights on solar power generation, offsets and savings. It also allows you to generate detailed reports to simplify stakeholder reporting, ESG processes and compliance. This data enables businesses to identify energy wastage, engage more actively with consumption habits and shape long-term sustainability strategies.  

Energy Procurement & Management: We help businesses reduce spend through smarter procurement. Our experts compare the energy market, securing the best deals for your specific needs. With energy management software and bureau services, we support businesses in turning consumption insights into measurable savings by identifying energy cost-saving opportunities. 

Contact Smarter Business  

We help businesses take practical steps towards net zero. Talk to us about smarter energy strategies that align with your goals and your budget.