New research by Future Net Zero shows that financial risk and energy security are the two main priorities for business at present.

The Big Zero Report 2023 involved 500 executives mostly in food & drink sector, healthcare, hospitality & manufacturing.

Respondents highlighted that the need to reduce energy costs and to make those costs more predictable are respondents biggest challenges for the next 3 years.

• 52% say that investors and shareholders are more interested in sustainability than ever before
• 46% say managing energy costs is a big priority
• 42% say that managing cost is more important than sustainability

“Securing a resilient supply of energy at an affordable price is a concern for the leaders of many organisations. While wholesale energy prices have fallen in recent months, they remain three to four times higher than they were in summer 2021.

“Many companies were shielded throughout 2022 because they signed multi-year fixed price contracts before the second half of 2021. But as many of these contracts expire through 2023, even if wholesale prices remain broadly at current levels, organisation are likely to face significant price increases.”

You can download a copy of the report here.