As we endeavour to address climate change issues, businesses must play an increasingly important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A study in the International Journal of Business Performance Management, has looked at the net-zero emissions target and identified the difficulties businesses are encountering and suggests a tailored approach to solving the problems different sectors face.
Net-zero emissions mean balancing the amount of greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide and other compounds – a business releases with those it removes or offsets. Achieving a balance is part of a broader effort to curb climate change and lead us into a sustainable future. The study, by Luisa Huaccho Huatuco and Juan Ramon Candia of the University of York, Ruby Christine Mathew of York St John’s University, and Graciela Zevallos Porles of the University of East Anglia, UK, included interviews with senior managers from various industries. The team found that while many organizations are taking steps towards net-zero, there are many obstacles in their way that are stymieing efforts in many instances.
The team found that businesses rely heavily on technological improvements and management changes as part of their strategy to reduce emissions. However, infrastructure limitations, a lack of government guidance, and insufficient funding are holding back the transition to a greener future. As such, targets are not being hit.
The team points out that classifying businesses according to their efforts can help identify the problems and perhaps help them in their greening efforts. For instance, most of the organizations referenced in the study were classified as ‘opportunity-seeking,’ meaning they view the transition to net-zero emissions as a chance to innovate and grow. By contrast, businesses in the agricultural sector were seen to be taking a ‘conformance’ approach. In other words, they were focused on meeting regulatory requirements rather than pursuing new opportunities through the transition. Fortunately, it seems that no businesses were actively resisting or delaying their net-zero efforts.
The bottom line seems to be that there is no off-the shelf approach to suit all types of business. In other words, the study suggests that businesses might benefit from more tailored support systems, with policies designed to address the unique needs of different industries.
Huaccho Huatuco, L., Candia, J.R., Mathew, R.C. and Zevallos Porles, G. (2025) ‘Unravelling net zero practices, strategies and barriers among businesses in a UK region’, Int. J. Business Performance Management, Vol. 26, No. 8, pp.1–22.