The UK’s journey to net zero is at a pivotal crossroads.
According to our latest Carbon Countdown survey, nearly half of UK organisations have made formal commitments to achieve net zero carbon emissions, with a significant number targeting the government’s 2050 deadline.
But, while ambition is high, the path from pledge to progress is anything but straightforward.
Barriers are outpacing intentions
Our survey, which captured the perspectives of over 100 organisations across sectors, paints a nuanced picture. While 48.6% of respondents have set net zero targets, only 26% are aligned with the UK’s 2050 goal. Even more telling, 76% cite financial constraints as their primary challenge, and 38% point to technological limitations. The ambition is there, but the means to deliver are often lacking.
This gap is further underscored by the fact that 55% of organisations with net zero commitments have not had their targets verified by a third party. Without external validation, credibility and accountability remain elusive, threatening to stall momentum at a time when urgent action is needed.
Tackling the barriers to carbon reduction
Financial limitations remain the most frequently cited barrier to net zero progress, particularly for charities, SMEs, and public sector bodies. The withdrawal of government support schemes, combined with the high upfront costs of sustainable technologies, is slowing momentum and undermining long-term planning. Many organisations also face gaps in internal expertise, strategic clarity, and practical guidance, leaving teams unsure where to begin or how to measure success.
Challenges like these can feel overwhelming for most organisations, but delaying action comes at a cost. Organisations risk missing out on valuable contracts and funding opportunities, while also jeopardising their reputation and eroding customer trust. The longer carbon reduction efforts are postponed, the greater the financial risks; from rising energy prices to exclusion from supply chains that demand reliable sustainability credentials.
The good news is that the path forward doesn’t have to be daunting. Small, practical steps, like focusing on energy efficiency basics, can deliver immediate impact. Simple actions such as conducting an energy audit or upgrading lighting systems can reduce costs and build momentum. Meanwhile, investing in targeted training equips teams with the skills and confidence to turn uncertainty into action.
By starting with achievable improvements and strengthening internal capability, organisations can overcome barriers and set themselves on a credible, sustainable path to net zero.
The power of leadership and culture
Our Net Zero Survey reveals a striking truth: while leadership is widely recognised as critical to net zero success, many organisations are missing a critical opportunity to harness its full potential. A combined 71% of respondents believed their organisation had moderate, limited and no leadership in driving the net zero agenda. This highlights the need for stronger, more visible commitment from the top.
Leadership plays a central role in the transition to net zero, yet only 28% of survey respondents felt this was true within their own organisation. Beyond setting targets, effective leadership means shaping a compelling vision, inspiring collective action, and embedding sustainability into the fabric of organisational culture. When leaders actively champion carbon reduction, they foster an environment where innovation, collaboration, and empowered decision-making can thrive, even in the face of financial or operational constraints.
By investing in education and aligning strategies with climate science, leaders equip teams to turn ambition into action.
Senior Energy Consultant here at TEAM, Sam Arje, puts it:
Leadership and education are the driving forces behind real change. When leaders embrace the net zero mission, they ignite a shared commitment across their organisation and beyond.
In short, leadership is the engine that drives net zero transformation. It turns strategy into reality, ambition into measurable progress, and challenges into opportunities for growth. The next decade is critical for the UK’s net zero ambitions—and organisations that invest in leadership and culture will be best placed to succeed.
From barriers to solutions
The survey is clear: organisations are calling for accessible funding, targeted training, and clearer regulatory guidance. Financial incentives and grants top the list of support needs, followed by capacity building and policy clarity. Training and education are especially critical, with 64% of respondents identifying them as key to building internal capability.
Practical steps for progress
So, how can organisations bridge the gap between ambition and action? We recommend a structured approach:
- Establishing the scope: Define emissions boundaries across Scopes 1, 2, and 3.
- Set a baseline: Calculate your carbon footprint to establish a realistic starting point.
- Build a strategy: Develop a customised roadmap with achievable targets and measurable milestones.
- Deliver and monitor: Implement actions, track progress, and adapt as your organisation evolves.
An energy audit is a strategic starting point, providing clarity on usage, identifying inefficiencies, and helping prioritise investments. Empowering employees through tailored training fosters a culture of sustainability, while strong leadership ensures the net zero vision is embedded across the organisation.
A call to action
The UK’s net zero transition is a collective endeavour. The ambition is real, but so are the barriers. By championing leadership, investing in education, and seeking expert support, organisations can move from intention to impact.
At TEAM Energy, we are committed to helping every organisation navigate the complexities of decarbonisation and build a resilient, sustainable future.