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Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce release ‘Net Zero and Sustainability: Business Insights’ report

An increasing number of Greater Birmingham businesses are committed to achieving their net zero goals – despite severe cost pressures as a result of the energy crisis, rising interest rates and inflation.

That’s according to a new Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) report released on 19 April 2023.

The release of the Net Zero and Sustainability: Business Insights report, marks the second year that the GBCC has tracked local business sentiment around environmental sustainability.

Data collected through the GBCC’s Q3 Quarterly Business Report, Sustainable Business Series post-event survey and the British Chambers Energy and Net Zero survey, highlight commitment shown by the region’s firms towards net zero targets.

Key findings from the report include:

  • In 2022, 65 per cent of businesses implemented measures specifically aimed at reducing their environmental impact.
  • 79 per cent of businesses felt over the past 12 months, reducing carbon/greenhouse gas emissions had become more of a priority for their organisation.
  • 28 per cent of respondents from the West Midlands indicated they would like to reach net zero but do not understand what it entails.
  • Major barriers in achieving Net Zero identified include, cost (55 per cent) knowledge/understanding (48 per cent) and economic conditions (38 per cent)

Kuran Singh, policy advisor at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said:

“The dedication of many local firms to achieving net zero is to be praised, especially given the myriad of challenges they are encountering on a daily basis.

“It is clear, however, that businesses are facing significant barriers as they work towards becoming more environmentally sustainable – in particular, a lack of access to vital knowledge and expertise on the topic and the financial costs associated with implementing more sustainable practices.

“As a Chamber, we will continue to support businesses in these challenging economic conditions, ensuring that policy makers are aware of these ongoing barriers, and providing local firms with best practice advice and guidance to help inform their net zero journeys, through our Sustainable Business Series”.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the Sustainable Business Series 2023. If you would like to know more, please contact Kuran Singh.

Any business needing support to decarbonise can find information on support, funding and events on our website. You can also contact SWM at enquiries@swm.org.uk or on 07751 930625.

Net Zero and Sustainability Business Insights report April 2023

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