Our thinking

Growth is Green

28 February, 2025

Back in 2019, the Conservative government wrote the UK’s target to be Net Zero by 2050 into law. Since then, the economics of the move have been contested politically. This includes backtracking from within the Conservative party with Kemi Badenoch saying it was a mistake and “leaves us economically worse off.” Reform UK promised to scrap “stupid” Net Zero if they come into power, saying it is “crippling the UK economy.” But are these claims true? 

Well according to the Confederation of British Industry, it’s a hard no. They, alongside the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, see environmental action as essential for future growth. In fact, the net zero economy has grown 10% since last year. Not only this, but while a lot of the UK’s most productive economic activity is concentrated within London and the South-East, the net zero economy is more geographically diverse. With the sector offering salaries on average 15% higher than the UK average, this could be an opportunity for the country to tackle geographic inequality as well as carbon emissions.  

In fact, there are a lot of benefits of going green. By being proactive, the UK can strengthen its economy, increase energy security and improve standards of living, to name a few. Take it from the CBI’s chief economist, Louise Hellem, “It is clear, you can’t have growth without green – 2025 is the year when the rubber really hits the road, where inaction is indisputably costlier than action.” If your business is interested in looking at its own journey to Net Zero, you know where to find us! 

By Anna Heis