A poll from delegates at Congress of Business has shown that 62% of business leaders believe financial constraints are the main obstacle preventing their organisations from achieving net zero.
400 international business leaders met yesterday to hear from thought-leaders, policymakers, and civic stakeholders about opportunities to both accelerate progress and deliver the economic growth that a sustainable future offers.
Part of Glasgow Climate Week, Congress of Business builds on the legacy of COP26, held in Glasgow in 2021. It is dedicated to driving meaningful change by transforming sustainable strategies into tangible action and uniting business on a global scale through the British Chambers of Commerce international network.
Speakers at this year’s event included: Baroness Martha Lane Fox CBE, president of the British Chambers of Commerce; Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative; and Gerard Gallagher, Global Sustainability Leader – Clients & Industries at Ernst & Young.
The poll also showed that while 91% of respondents view climate change as a catalyst for innovation in their industries, 43% do not feel there is sufficient advice on how to help businesses progress their sustainability.
78% of leaders felt they were not receiving adequate support in lowering their carbon footprint, yet 84% believed investing in green technologies would open new business opportunities for their firm.
Stuart Patrick, chief executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said, “Congress of Business is one of the few events where businesses of all sizes and sectors come together to discuss how we can collectively achieve the growth, innovation and the job creation that sustainability offers us.
“You can see from the data that business leaders want to go further, but the economic restrictions prevent them from doing so. Access to finance is key for any growing business, but it is vital within the context of sustainable growth. Without addressing this, we risk missing out on the tremendous job and wealth creation that comes with operating a sustainable economy.
“The appetite for accelerated change is there; we now need to cultivate the conditions that allow businesses to grow within it.”
Congress of Business is supported by principal partners, University of Glasgow, official partners, Barclays and E.ON and hosted by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Chambers network.
