Energy prices, clean energy availability and lack of capital have been revealed as top barriers to net zero, according to UK sustainability leaders.
New research from Mitie reveals that over four in five (84%) sustainability leaders feel confident businesses will be able to align with the UK’s net zero goals.
In spite of this, price fluctuations and the reliability of renewable energy as well as securing capital for projects remain top concerns for achieving decarbonisation ambitions.
Now in its third year, Mitie’s 2025 Net Zero Navigator report addresses these concerns with tips for navigating the path to net zero from Mitie’s energy experts and policy expert Josh Buckland.
The survey of over 100 senior sustainability leaders revealed that decision makers are concerned about how changes in the energy landscape will impact their businesses.
The cost of energy was a top concern, with over half (57%) saying they worry about the cost of energy rising over the next five years, and just under two thirds (64%) concerned that prices remain unstable.
Similarly, three fifths (60%) are worried supply chain disruptions will affect their organisation in the next five years.
When it comes to realising decarbonisation ambitions, over three quarters (78%) said they face difficulty securing capital to fund transformation projects such as ground source heat pumps or on-site battery storage.
The availability and reliability of renewable energy sources was also cited as a top concern, with over a quarter (27%) saying that this is the biggest challenge in reducing their organisations’ reliance on fossil fuels.
In the report, Buckland highlights the need for organisations to take a technology-led approach to balance immediate energy requirements with long-term sustainability goals.
Managing director of projects at Mitie Mark Caskey said: “With a new government reigniting the drive to net zero and climate resilience becoming more urgent, we have to accelerate our progress to decarbonise.
“Our report demonstrates many are still struggling to gain investment for sustainability projects – one way to address that is to integrate decarbonisation efforts into wider organisational goals.
“Rapid advancements in technology and AI hold the key to taking preventative action to create smarter buildings and manage our energy resources more sustainably.”
The full Net Zero Navigator report can be found here.