Sustainable industries are vital if the world is to achieve net zero targets and new research highlights the best and worst sectors.
Phoenix Health & Safety has researched analysed and amalgamated the data of over 1800 businesses across three leading bodies within environmentalism and sustainability; BCorp, Climate Neutral, and Investors In The Environment to find UK’s best and worst sustainable industries.
Searches for “corporate sustainability” have almost doubled over the last year, with a 72 per cent increase in September alone. But are businesses really taking the first steps to become more environmentally sustainable?
Nearly 47 per cent of Brits believe that they can have an impact on environmental issues through their daily behaviour and 1-in-31 think that companies are responsible for global environmental problems.
The professional services industry has been revealed to be the highest-rated industry, with over 18 per cent of all accredited businesses in this sector. This includes businesses within sectors such as law, insurance and training.
Nick Higginson, ceo of sustainability training company Phoenix Health and Safety said: “The professional services industry is a competitive one, and with 80 per cent of British customers saying that the environment is more important than ever, environmental accreditation is a clear way for professional businesses to stand out amongst the competition and show consumers they are taking sustainability seriously.”
Retail and manufacturing came second and third, with nearly eight per cent each. Nick adds: “Moving towards sustainability can be a valuable way for these industries to reduce spend and make their processes more efficient for the twenty-first century. There are government incentives such as tax breaks for businesses that operate in a more environmentally friendly way, making these projects more financially viable and ultimately benefiting the environment.
“Travel, Engineering and Transport & Logistics industries appeared at the bottom of the list, with each sector having less than one per cent of the total accredited businesses. These industries have significant carbon emissions, and it can be harder for them to make the changes without a huge financial burden.”
Sarah Mukherjee, ceo of IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment) added: “We are seeing a huge increase in the demand for skilled sustainability professionals as more organisations and businesses address and plan for the future.
“Demand for IEMA Environmental and Sustainability qualifications has soared 190 per cent since 2020. Enhancing the sustainability skills of the workforce is crucial in preparing businesses for the transition to a sustainable and net-zero carbon future.”
UK’s most sustainable industries according to Phoenix Health & Safety research (in descending order)
Housing & Property
Technology & Security
Personal Care Services
Digital & Telecommunications
Energy & Renewables