The Ulimate Guide to Net Zero for Businesses

The race to Net Zero is on, and businesses of all sizes are feeling the pressure. Governments, customers, and investors are all pushing for lower emissions, and companies that don’t take action risk falling behind.

But what does Net Zero actually mean for businesses? Is it just another corporate buzzword, or is there a real business case for cutting carbon emissions?

At its core, Net Zero means emitting less, as well as balancing the greenhouse gases your business emits with an equal amount removed from the atmosphere, i.e. you remove what you put in.

The goal is simple: to stop adding to climate change.

To achieve this, businesses need to focus on two things:

1. Reducing emissions as much as possible by using cleaner energy, improving efficiency, and cutting waste.
2. Offsetting what’s left by investing in projects like reforestation or carbon capture (but only after making real reductions).

There’s a lot of confusion about Net Zero, which can sometimes stop businesses from taking action. So, we’re here to clear up a few common misconceptions.

This really isn’t the case - small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) can play a huge role in reducing emissions. In fact, supply chain emissions (mostly from smaller businesses) make up the majority of big companies' carbon footprints. Many large companies are now requiring their suppliers to have Net Zero plans - so taking action now can future-proof your business.

In most cases, working towards Net Zero can actually save your business money in the long run. From switching to energy-efficient lighting and reducing waste to transitioning to electric vehicles, these changes can significantly cut costs.

Plus, there are government grants and incentives for businesses that plan on making green improvements.

While carbon offsetting (like tree planting) can play a role, it shouldn’t be the first step for a business to go green. Net Zero is about cutting emissions at the source - through cleaner energy, sustainable materials, and smarter processes - before offsetting the small amount that remains.

Now you know that it’s not expensive and it’s not just for big corporations, you could still be wondering why businesses should consider Net Zero within wider goals.

Beyond just doing the right thing - and we mean actually making a difference, not just looking like you are (hello, greenwashing) - Net Zero can bring real benefits. From cutting costs and gaining a competitive edge to future-proofing your business against regulatory changes and risks, it’s a smart move for long-term success.

Want to find out more? Give a read through our guide to why going green is so important for your business.

Achieving Net Zero doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to start small and build from there.

Here are some of the biggest impact areas to focus on:

• Energy use - Switch to a renewable energy provider and improve efficiency with LED lighting and better insulation.
• Transport and logistics - Consider electric vehicles, optimise delivery routes, and cut unnecessary travel.
• Supply chain - Work with suppliers who share your sustainability goals and use greener materials.
• Waste reduction - Cut down on materials and improve recycling efforts.

For more practical, easy-to-implement steps, check out our guide: 7 achievable ways to turn your business green.

Net Zero isn’t just a moral responsibility - it’s a smart business strategy. Lower costs, better reputation, and staying ahead of regulations all make cutting emissions worth the effort.

And while the journey to Net Zero can feel daunting, every small step adds up. Whether it’s switching to a greener energy supplier, reducing waste, or optimising your transport fleet, or your employees’ cars progress starts with action.