In our FutureFit survey of more than 500 UK senior business decision-makers from a wide variety of sectors we found that the need for organisations to demonstrate sustainability credentials is becoming urgent: more than nine out of ten survey respondents say their business is at risk of losing customers if it can’t demonstrate those credentials, with 32% saying the risk is ‘severe’.

However, 52% see it as a risk that they’ll face in two to three years, perhaps suggesting it is important but does not require immediate attention just yet.

Of the companies surveyed, 60% have already invested in green energy solutions, citing cost as their motivation. By contrast, just 4% have made the switch for environmental reasons (see the below chart).

However, this is due to change, the survey suggests. For businesses who have yet to invest in green energy but plan to, environmental reasons are the bigger driver. The next wave of adoption will be driven by environmental concern, this shows.

Have you invested or are you considering investing in green energy solutions?

Among survey respondents who have not yet switched to green energy, the most common barrier is getting business buy-in. Other issues include not seeing the benefit, trouble raising the finance and difficulties in planning permission.

Business leaders will need to champion the longer-term cost benefits to placate fears over the significant sums required to invest up-front in cleaner energy solutions, this shows.

You will also need to make it clear how these investments will contribute to your company’s plans to minimise its impact on the environment.

A more renewable-focused approach often requires significant changes and has cost implications, as well as a likely impact on processes and strategy, so it pays to consider your options thoroughly.

1. Understand your current usage: look at your average existing bills and identify what your emissions are currently.
2. Assess your future energy needs: consider factors such as the size of your business and how that might change.
3. Consider your options: If you own your premises, or have the right to install equipment, you could consider generating your own renewable energy using solar panels, heat pumps or biomass boilers. Find out more here.