Net zero is a priority for four fifths of UK startups
by Startacus Admin
New research from Innovate UK reveals majority of startups are passionate about their climate impact and have clear desire to achieve net zero.
Net zero is a priority for four fifths (80%) of start-ups, with 72% working to achieve carbon neutrality and 8% already carbon neutral or negative according to new research from Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency.
Innovate UK found that while start-ups are passionate about their climate impact, they are divided over whether it should be a priority over business growth. Nearly half (45%) of start-ups believe they should balance growth and sustainability, versus four in 10 (42%) believe growth is more important, but start-ups should try to be sustainable in their activities where possible.
Start-ups believe that the number one thing a company can do to reduce its carbon footprint is to innovate around a solution which combats climate change (38%), followed by encouraging sustainability in its supply chain (24%) and reducing emissions from its operations (17%). Just 15% of start-ups suggested that restricting business travel by choosing online meetings was most important.
Start-ups view renewable energy infrastructure (30%) as the most important innovation to long-term sustainability. This is closely followed by recycling, waste management and sustainable materials (29%). Only 8% of start-ups cited renewable and energy efficient transport, such as electric vehicles, as the most important area for sustainable innovation.
.png)
Jonny Voon, Head of the Sustainable Innovation Fund at Innovate UK, says: “Pioneering entrepreneurs are unsurprisingly future-focused, and recognise the need to balance growth and sustainability.
“It’s incredibly promising to find that so many early-stage companies recognise the need to achieve net zero in their operations and are passionate about innovating towards climate change solutions. They serve as an important reminder that profitability and sustainability are increasingly closely aligned and through innovation we can achieve both.”
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Crowdfunding success for Omni, the vegan dog food brand, reaffirms the recession-proof growth of the pet nutrition industry.
Want to learn a new language? Weeve is an innovative startup that has created an innovative, creative and effective way to help you do just that.
Want to build an investable, scalable tech startup? The Raise Accelerator programme is now open for applications and will help you do just that.
Want to increase visual engagement for your startup's Instagram account? These tips will help you do just that.
Want to gain an edge over your business competitors? Listening to your audience is an absolute must.
The Clothes Doctor mission to fight fast fashion continues as the innovative eco clothing care brand raises £1m to support further growth.
If you plan on using social media to promote your brand, these simple rules will help, increasing both brand awareness and the number of consumers.
High-potential social impact startups from the UK sought for the 9th annual Les Tremplins by Voyage Privé programme.
The lowdown on Danish startup EvodiaBio and its innovative tech that produces sustainable aromas for the food and beverage industry.
Small Business Britain’s ‘How to Grow’ report outlines how small businesses are responding to economic challenges and how they can grow during recession.
Published on: 15th March 2022
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Vegan Dog Food Brand, Omni Smashes £400K Crowdfunding Target 1st Feb 2023 Crowdfunding success for Omni, the vegan dog food brand, reaffirms the recession-proof growth of the pet nutrition industry.
- Raise Spring Accelerator programme seeking applications for next cohort 30th Jan 2023 Want to build an investable, scalable tech startup? The Raise Accelerator programme is now open for applications and will help you do just that.
- Leading French Travel Co. Offers Mentoring to two UK startups on its prestigious two-month programme 23rd Jan 2023 High-potential social impact startups from the UK sought for the 9th annual Les Tremplins by Voyage Privé programme.
- Small businesses need new model for growth in recession 23rd Jan 2023 Small Business Britain’s ‘How to Grow’ report outlines how small businesses are responding to economic challenges and how they can grow during recession.
