By Daniel Cope, Director of Green Lark Environmental Solutions
If you’ve read the headlines of 2025, you might think UK businesses are abandoning their climate ambitions. Stories of ‘climate climbdowns’ dominate the news. But when we dig deeper, a different picture emerges, one that matters for every business in Milton Keynes.
The Net Zero Disconnect
The term Net Zero has become a lightning rod. In a recent LinkedIn poll I ran, only 5% of respondents said the phrase still drives action, while most felt it either needs a rebrand or that we should focus on actions, not words. National data echoes this sentiment: awareness of Net Zero is high, but understanding is low, and the term is (sadly) becoming increasingly politicised.
So, is Net Zero dead? Absolutely not. In my view, it remains essential, not as a slogan, but as a technical goal: balancing emissions to zero. That’s the science, and it hasn’t changed. But if businesses need to tweak the language to keep teams and customers engaged, that’s okay, so long as the actions don’t stop.
What the Data Really Shows
Despite the noise, most businesses are not retreating. PwC’s Second Annual State of Decarbonisation Report found that 37% of companies have increased their climate ambition, while only 16% have slowed down. The majority are holding steady.
Closer to home, many businesses in Milton Keynes are making practical moves. From installing solar panels on industrial units to switching to renewable energy tariffs and trialling electric vans for last-mile delivery, these changes may not make national headlines, but they are reshaping local business operations. Sustainability is also becoming embedded in procurement policies, as firms recognise that being able to demonstrate progress is now a prerequisite for winning contracts.
Why Standing Still Is Risky
For SMEs, the biggest risk isn’t over-investing in sustainability, it’s doing nothing. Large buyers increasingly require evidence of carbon reduction plans, and those who can’t provide it risk being locked out of supply chains. Investors and lenders are also scrutinising ESG performance more closely, while customers, both consumers and B2B, are demanding credible green credentials. Add to that the operational risks of energy price volatility and climate-related disruptions, and the case for action becomes clear. Sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have”; it’s a licence to operate.
The Business Case for Climate Action
Far from being a cost centre, sustainability is proving to be a growth driver. PwC’s research shows that companies integrating climate action into their strategy are more confident about future performance. Other studies suggest that businesses offering low-carbon products and services see revenue uplifts of between 6% and 25% compared to peers.
For SMEs, the benefits are tangible: preferred supplier status with major buyers, access to green grants and tax incentives, and lower operating costs through energy efficiency. And here’s the good news: adopting a sustainability strategy doesn’t have to mean huge capital outlay. For many of the businesses I work with, the biggest investment is time, time to measure, plan, and embed sustainability into core operations.
The Bottom Line for MK Businesses
Whether we call it Net Zero, low-carbon growth, or climate resilience, the destination is the same. The businesses that act now will lead, not because of the language, but because of the results.
So, while the headlines may talk of retreat, the real story, especially here in Milton Keynes, is one of quiet progress. The question isn’t whether you can afford to act. It’s whether you can afford not to.
Businesses within Milton Keynes are currently eligible for fully funded support through the Sustainable Business: Milton Keynes programme, including expert carbon audits, tailored sustainability strategies, and Carbon Literacy training — visit GreenLark.co.uk to learn more.
About Dan
Daniel has more than 20 years’ experience in the environmental sector and is a Chartered Environmentalist as well as a full member of the Institute of Sustainability & Environmental Professionals. As director of Green Lark Environmental Solutions, he helps organisations across the UK and internationally align environmental responsibility with commercial success.
