Green Shoots: a Message of Hope From the Net Zero Economy

Recent reports have highlighted an exciting trend in the UK economy. The net zero sector is flourishing- growing at an impressive rate of 10% in 2024, three times faster than the overall economy.

This surge in green growth is not just good news for the environment; it's creating high-wage jobs and boosting energy security across the nation.

The numbers speak volumes with The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) analysis revealing the net zero economy generated £83 billion in gross value, with 22,000 net zero businesses now operating in the UK.

Despite being criticised in January for suggesting economic growth was more important than net zero, Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently stated:

There is no trade-off between economic growth and net zero. Quite the opposite. Net zero is the industrial opportunity of the 21st century.

And this sentiment is echoed by the CBI's findings, which directly challenge claims that climate action hampers economic growth.

The surge in the net zero sector isn't just about current jobs – it's sparking interest in future careers too. A study by 100Green found that 71% of working Brits are interested in moving into the green sector, potentially equating to 24 million workers.

This enthusiasm, particularly among younger workers, suggests a bright future for the green economy.

It’s great to see the evidence and hear such positive news at a time when it feels like the world is rolling back on its commitment to sustainability.

So, what does this mean for businesses?

How can we move forward and create a more sustainable future? And forge ahead with our net zero ambitions, prioritising the future of people and planet?

My view is that it needs three things:

Clarity, commitment, and collaboration.

• Clarity in that we need clear and consistent views and actions on sustainability.
• Commitment to prioritising change and moving away from 'business as usual'.
• And collaboration, which is, in some ways, the most important.

Even when we disagree, pulling apart will not solve the challenge.

As our marketing intern, Zoe Cooke, wrote in a previous blog:

for a sustainable future to truly exist, leaders must commit to more than just talk. They must take action. They must wholeheartedly embed sustainability into every part of their business.

So, share your views, hear others, have those hard conversations, but overall be excited by the prospect of finding a way to co-create a future that we can all look forward to.