Tuesday 8 June 2021

Nearly 60% of UK businesses ‘struggle to justify green investments’

Business investments in low carbon technologies have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

That is one of the findings of a new Centrica Business Solutions report, which estimates almost 60% of firms find it harder to invest in green energy measures in the post-Covid world.

A further 49% of business owners said it is now harder to make the case for investments, even if they result in long-term savings.

In terms of business strategies, the report suggests two-in-five companies claim that operating a sustainable business model continues to be a top priority.

Nearly 42% say they are primarily focused on strong financial performance and profitability as they navigate pandemic recovery.

The research also shows more than half of all organisations are utilising energy-efficient technologies, products and services to create new sources of revenue.

Greg McKenna, Managing Director at Centrica Business Solutions, said: "A progressive approach to energy can bolster businesses’ balance sheets and support recovery from the impact of Covid-19.

"Indeed, this polling shows the commercial opportunity a more advanced approach to energy strategy presents. Firms that have already invested in innovative energy technology have been able to cut costs as well as carbon emissions and unlock new revenue streams."