5 opportunities helping UK businesses get to net zero

Achieving B Corp status represents a commitment to better business and an understanding that environmental sustainability is essential to achieving positive change.

The B Corp assessment measures impacts across five key areas: environment, governance, customers, community and workers. This means that members of the B Corp community must be serious about creating lasting change in these areas to benefit stakeholders and the wider society.

E Co. achieved B Corp status in 2019, as did amber energy® in 2020. As two proud B Corps, our sense of corporate social responsibility drives us and influences how we meet the needs and ambitions of our clients.

We therefore want to help other businesses to identify opportunities that will allow them to place sustainability at the heart of what they do.

So, for B Corp Month, E Co. and amber have teamed up to share just some of the funding options and schemes available to UK businesses to help them build resilience for the future and deliver on ambitious climate goals.

The Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund

This is an innovation-focused programme led by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), aimed at tackling some of the biggest challenges in industry.

The fund is separated across four themes: clean growth, ageing society, future of mobility, and artificial intelligence and data economy.

Over £2.6 billion of public funds and £3 billion matched by the private sector is available and any research organisation, charity or business of any size with innovative solutions can apply. Some of the challenges have already allocated their investments, but many are planning new opportunities.

Light as a Service (LaaS)

LaaS allows businesses to limit their costs, increase energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint by accessing lighting on a subscription basis based on their needs.

Instead of the high costs of buying, installing and maintaining lighting, businesses simply outsource these responsibilities to the service provider and pay for only the light they use.

Effectively, this model allows businesses to put the savings they make towards the overall cost of the project; and, once the contract ends, the asset can either be handed over to the business to enjoy 100% of the OPEX savings or they can enter a maintenance contract at a reduced rate.

LaaS results in cheaper, more environmentally-friendly lighting that allows money to be kept for core business purposes.

Specialist bank or investment management financing

Getting a loan from the bank isn’t always easy. Luckily however, companies with expertise in climate change and energy – or those that focus on funding social-impact projects – often make for viable alternatives.

Many of these companies specifically focus on energy saving and efficiency, renewable energy production and infrastructure.

They also help businesses by investing in their operational CO2 reduction projects, allowing for financial capital to remain within the company.

The Industrial Energy Transformation Fund

This fund allows for the development of new technologies that help businesses with high energy consumption transition to a low-emission future.

Companies can apply for up to £14 million in assistance to help with energy efficiency measures and decarbonisation studies.

Equally, numerous regional and local funds provide financial aid to companies wanting to reduce their energy use and costs.

Applications for phase one will close on 14 July 2021, with a second phase to follow later in 2021.

Power purchase agreements (PPAs)

A PPA is effectively a long-term (typically 5-20 years) arrangement between a business and the third-party installer, sometimes referred to as a generator.

The agreement defines specific terms like the amount of energy to be supplied and the costs. This provides price certainty by avoiding volatile movements in the energy markets and can help deliver energy savings through renewable energy use.

PPAs can also be used where government subsidies for renewables are ending. Renewable projects often require a third-party funding source, and a wind or solar PPA provides the necessary assurance for lenders.

The generator installs a renewable energy system, such as solar PV or a wind turbine, and sells the energy it produces back to the consumer, often at a lower rate than any available from the grid.

Over the course of the contract, the installation is managed and maintained by the generator and the payments received cover the initial capital costs and profit. At the end of the term, the consumer takes ownership of the asset and can enjoy the benefits of “free” electricity.

Beyond the funding: embedding net zero in your business strategy

While the schemes and funding options above provide practical routes to decarbonisation, achieving net zero requires a shift in mindset across the entire organisation. It is not simply about accessing capital; it is about integrating sustainability into day-to-day decision-making, procurement, and long-term planning. Businesses that treat net zero as a strategic priority rather than a compliance exercise are better positioned to unlock innovation, attract talent, and build resilience against future regulatory and market changes.

For many companies, the journey begins with measuring and understanding their carbon footprint. This baseline enables the identification of the most material sources of emissions—often energy use in buildings, transport, and supply chains. From there, businesses can set science-based targets and develop a roadmap that combines quick wins, such as energy efficiency measures, with longer-term investments in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. Engaging employees and stakeholders early in this process helps to build ownership and momentum.

It is also important to recognise that net zero is not a solo endeavour. Collaboration across sectors, supply chains, and even with competitors can accelerate progress. Industry groups, local enterprise partnerships, and sustainability networks offer platforms for sharing best practice and pooling resources. By working together, UK businesses can overcome common barriers, such as high upfront costs or lack of technical expertise, and drive systemic change at a pace that individual action alone cannot achieve.

Practical steps to get started

For businesses unsure where to begin, the following steps can help to translate ambition into action:

Conduct an energy audit to identify inefficiencies and prioritise improvements.
Engage with a specialist advisor who understands both the technical and financial aspects of decarbonisation.
Explore blended finance options that combine grants, loans, and third-party investment to reduce upfront costs.
Consider a phased approach to renewable energy procurement, starting with a portion of your electricity needs.
Communicate your progress transparently to build trust with customers, investors, and employees.

Each of these steps can be tailored to the size and sector of your business. What matters most is to start now, learn by doing, and continuously refine your approach as technologies and markets evolve.

Case in point: how B Corps are leading the way

Certified B Corporations are required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, including the environment. This legal and cultural commitment often drives them to adopt net zero strategies earlier and more comprehensively than their peers. For example, many B Corps have already switched to 100% renewable electricity, implemented circular economy principles, and set ambitious science-based targets.

Their experience demonstrates that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. By reducing energy waste, hedging against volatile fossil fuel prices, and differentiating their brand, B Corps can achieve competitive advantage while contributing to the global effort to limit warming to 1.5°C. As more businesses join this movement, the collective impact grows, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits the entire economy.

If you are inspired by the examples of E Co. and amber energy®, consider using the B Corp framework as a blueprint for your own net zero journey. The assessment process itself can reveal gaps and opportunities, and the community offers a wealth of resources and peer support.

Looking ahead: the evolving policy and funding landscape

The UK government has set a legally binding target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with interim carbon budgets that require significant emissions reductions across all sectors. This policy direction is unlikely to reverse, and businesses that act early will be better prepared for future regulations, carbon pricing, and reporting requirements.

In addition to the funds mentioned above, new support mechanisms are regularly announced at both national and regional levels. These include tax incentives for energy-efficient equipment, grants for electric vehicle infrastructure, and innovation competitions for low-carbon technologies. Staying informed through trusted sources, such as the Energy Industry News & Blog, can help you identify opportunities as they arise.

Ultimately, the transition to net zero is not just an environmental imperative; it is an economic one. By seizing the opportunities available today, UK businesses can future-proof their operations, reduce costs, and play a vital role in building a sustainable, prosperous future for all.

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