Confidence among business owners and C-suite employees in reaching net zero is twice that of entry level employees, while half of junior workers are unaware of their employer’s plans.
While businesses up and down the country are working towards the 2050 net zero deadline, new research from D-ENERGI has found that they are struggling to bring their wider workforce with them.
Surveying workers across the country, the business energy provider has launched the Energy Efficiency in the Workplace Report, uncovering a significant disconnect between senior leaders and entry-level employees when it comes to that journey towards net zero.
Where 78% of C-suite executives are confident their company will reach net zero by 24 years time, only 34% of entry-level workers share that confidence, with half also unaware of any plans their company has in place. That’s compared to just 7% of C-Suite executives.
It’s a clear sign that the challenge for businesses isn’t simply developing sustainability strategies, but ensuring those strategies are filtered down and embedded throughout the organisation.
Despite the disconnect, employees do want to play a role. In fact, 70% of workers say they do care about the energy they use at work, with 40% stating they are actively reducing waste and improving recycling, while around a third also try to minimise the amount of energy they are using.That said, just a quarter of workers also believe that their colleagues are doing enough to reduce their own carbon footprint in the workplace.
Mike Williamson, Business Analyst at D-ENERGI, said, “Businesses are working hard to develop their sustainability strategies and we’re seeing an influx in business owners sourcing renewable energy.
“It’s positive to see every level of a business trying to do their bit, but there is an important question that needs raising about how effectively sustainability plans are being communicated downwards.
“Employees are clearly aware of reducing their carbon footprint, from our findings, but the opportunity now is collective action and making sure sustainability plans are more visible, understandable and relevant to businesses in their entirety, not just at the top.”
Across the study there is a clear correlation between confidence and awareness and with those at the top more aware, and those in more entry level roles less aware and less confident as a result, communication appears to be the key cog in ensuring everyone is on the same pathway, particularly as the spotlight on net zero continues to grow.
You can view the full study here.
