The UK Net Zero Business Census 2025, the country’s largest research initiative tracking private sector progress and action towards achieving net zero by 2050, has launched today.
Open to UK-based businesses of any size or industry, the census will run until 18 July 2025.
Building on last year’s successful pilot, this year’s census is endorsed by the DESNZ Net Zero Council and is being delivered by the UK Business Climate Hub in partnership with Planet Mark and a coalition of leading business groups, with the survey being hosted by the British Chambers of Commerce.
The UK Net Zero Business Census 2025 will expand on last year in both scale and ambition.
Uncovering key data and insights to provide a better understanding of industry’s progress towards decarbonisation, the census aims to help drive nationwide action, inform policy and equip industry bodies to better support private enterprises on their pathway to net zero.
Supported by Census Insights Partner, Sage, this year’s edition will offer a more detailed view across regions, sectors and business sizes, uncovering deeper insights and updates on how businesses are committing to carbon footprint measurement and carbon reduction.
Minister for climate, Kerry McCarthy, said: “Net zero is driving economic growth and creating good jobs. As we accelerate towards 2050, businesses can benefit from new market opportunities, access to green finance and protection from future energy price shocks. Surveys like the UK Net Zero Business Census provide essential data to understand specific challenges faced as we continue to support businesses to access the opportunities net zero brings.”
Andrew Griffiths, policy director at Planet Mark, said: “We’re going bigger, bolder and better following last year’s successful pilot of the UK’s largest-ever study of industry’s net zero ambitions. This year’s Census will explore how businesses have progressed in the last 12 months, highlighting the evolving opportunities and challenges businesses perceive net zero presents, and uncover the bold actions driving carbon reduction. The insights will provide an eye-opening picture to policymakers and investors on the success of current initiatives and how they can further help guide the industry on the best routes forward to net zero by 2050.”
First launched in 2024, last year’s UK Net Zero Business Census surveyed over 2,000 organisations nationwide to explore their priorities, plans, challenges, and actions on decarbonisation. While 73% cited net zero as a strategic priority for the year ahead, many faced major barriers. These included cost, limited access to finance, and a lack of expertise.
In line with its core value of setting the standard, the Association for Rental Living (ARL) is supporting this census and calls on members to contribute, to gauge the progress towards Net Zero across the rental living sector.
Brendan Geraghty, CEO of the Association for Rental Living, commented: “We are delighted to once again be supporting the UK Net Zero Business Census 2025 and encourage all ARL members to contribute. One of the seven key principles of the Rental Living Code of Practice, an ARL-led initiative now taken forward by the BTR Taskforce, calls for signatories to materially respond to the climate crisis including publicly adopting a Net Zero target by 2050 (if not earlier), demonstrating the importance and commitment the sector places on this issue.”
-Source: Showhouse.
