Can Businesses Hit Net-Zero Goals Post-Coronavirus? |The Eco Experts

A recent survey, conducted by Energy Live News, reveals that 22% of businesses believe the coronavirus pandemic will curb their net-zero plans.

The survey, consisting of 215 participants, found that of those businesses negatively affected by the virus, 51% said they didn’t know how long their net-zero plans will be postponed for, while 25.5% predicted at least a one-year delay.

Respondents of the survey were mostly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), or in very large corporates – with less feedback from mid-market businesses.

Last year, the government encouraged companies across the UK to go greener after releasing a new target to make all greenhouse gas emissions net zero by 2050. ‘Net zero’ means that any carbon emissions released into the atmosphere are balanced out by offsetting schemes, such as planting trees, or using technology such as carbon capture and storage.

Achieving net-zero status as a nation will contribute to the global effort to slow the escalation of climate change. On top of this, if companies don’t jump on the net-zero bandwagon soon, they’re likely to suffer financially.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, bank governor Mark Carney stated: “There will also be [companies] that lag behind, and they will be punished. […] Companies that don’t adapt will go bankrupt, without question.”

But it’s not all bad news. Although the post-pandemic economy is predicted to suffer substantially, according to the survey, 78% of businesses believe this is the perfect opportunity to capitalise on net-zero plans. The government is similarly strategising green initiatives for a coronavirus recovery.

So, it’s comforting to know that while lockdown starts to ease, we’re all working towards the same green goal.

Written by

Beth Howell Content Manager

Beth has written for The Eco Experts for over three years, combining her journalistic skills with her knowledge of the environmental industry, garnering thousands of readers along the way.

With her articles covering a range of environmental topics – from solar panel suggestions to the future of green tech, environmental news to heat pump recommendations – Beth really does have the know-how when it comes to environmental living.

Since joining The Eco Experts team, her work has been featured in various publications, such as The BBC, Forbes, The Express, Greenpeace, and in multiple academic journals. She has also attended Grand Designs Live as a Green Living Expert, providing tailored advice to members of the public about heat pumps and solar panels.

Her level of expertise has grown vastly over the years, after delving deep into complex analysis pieces, such as The Most Polluting Industries, What Is Carbon Capture And Does It Actually Work?, and Is Renewable Energy Cheaper Than Gas?

You can contact Beth via email at bethany.howell@theecoexperts.co.uk

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22% of Businesses Believe Coronavirus has Hampered their Net-Zero Plans

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