New study highlights concerning ‘lack of resources’ amongst businesses to tackle climate change

A new survey has found that 71 per cent of businesses consider climate change an issue.

The survey, conducted by Bristol-based Business West, comes at a key time for climate action, as temperatures in Bristol and across the UK reached record levels in late July.

400 businesses were asked how they feel about climate issues in relation to their business in June.

The key takeaway shows a gap between recognition of the challenge and action.

A majority (71 per cent) consider climate change to be a business issue but fewer than a quarter have taken concrete steps to reduce their impact, such as measuring their carbon footprint or devising a plan to reduce it.

Changes that have a dual benefit of saving money and helping the environment were more likely to be adopted however, such as replacing business travel with virtual meetings, insulating their premises or diverting waste to recycling.

The results come as businesses face the highest inflation rate in 40 years, and as a record number of Business West survey respondents cite inflation as a key issue of concern.

Businesses who want to take action in the region report facing significant challenges and barriers that prevent them from doing so, according to the survey.

The most frequently cited barrier for businesses was factors outside of firms’ control, such as operating from rented premises, or the supporting infrastructure not being available where it’s needed, which affected over 30 per cent and 27 per cent of firms respectively.

The study also found that businesses struggled to afford the upfront investment in climate change when there is a demand on other resources. This was reported by almost 30 per cent of respondents.

For example, Val Hennessey, director of International House Bristol, a language school based in Bristol, said: “We would like to put in air source heat pumps at both our premises, but the costs are prohibitive.”

43 per cent of respondents reported that they needed financial support such as access to loans and grants and tax incentives such as capital allowances.

A substantial number also mentioned that they found the options available overwhelming (13 per cent) and/or lacking the knowledge to decide how to proceed (20 per cent).

Deborah Flint, for example, from Cinderhill Farm, a food producer based in Gloucestershire said: “All the companies I look at seem to make the task sound so frighteningly enormous that I don’t know who to trust or where to go. Also, I feel we are a complex as well as small enterprise – owing to some of the measures we take, so we need help which takes this into account.”

Responding to the survey findings, Sue Tranter, Net Zero project manager at Business West, said: “Climate change is a pressing worldwide issue and firms are aware that they can make positive changes now to help mitigate the impact for future generations.

“However, without sufficient support and guidance, it is clear businesses are confused about the next best steps to take to help tackle the climate crisis.

“It is worrying that a higher number of businesses are reporting that they need advice, indicating a possible lack of progression since this time last year.

“It is imperative that the government provide further support to businesses to enable them to prepare and adapt for the future.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more: New £17m ‘Net Zero carbon’ office development at Aztec West

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