You’ve probably heard the term “net zero” thrown around, but if you’re not working in sustainability, it can feel vague or even irrelevant. Our Partner Planet Mark breaks it down clearly: what it means, why it matters, and where to start.

 

So, what is net zero?

Every business has an impact on the planet. From turning on lights and heating buildings to making products and moving goods around, it all adds up. These everyday activities release gases into the atmosphere that contribute to global warming. One of these pollutant gases is carbon dioxide - often referred to as carbon emissions.

Net zero means doing everything you can to reduce those emissions and balancing out what’s left by supporting actions that help remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

That might include things like:

• Upgrading to energy efficient systems
• Working with lower-impact suppliers
• Removing emissions through verified environmental projects, but only after making significant reductions first, and even then, this should be approached with caution.

In other words:  Net zero is about cutting down what your business puts out and ensuring that you’re not leaving a harmful footprint behind.

 

What does that look like in practice?

Within the Planet Mark Member community, most businesses start with:

• Identifying where emissions come from (energy, travel, suppliers)
• Making practical changes to reduce them
• Tracking progress year on year

The goal isn’t perfection overnight. It’s steady, meaningful action.

 

What net zero isn’t

Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions.

• It’s not only for big companies
  In fact, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) make up 99.9% of UK companies. And increasingly, big brands are asking their suppliers to show evidence of climate action. If you’re in their supply chain, this affects you. Source: FSB
• It’s not just about offsetting
  Off-setting should never be a shortcut. In alignment with the government’s critical path to net zero by 2050, only 10% of an organisations baseline carbon emissions can be offset for that organisation to be recognised at net zero. Therefore, real progress means reducing emissions at the source.
• It’s not about being perfect
  Net zero is a long-term goal. What matters most is having a clear starting point and showing measurable progress.

 

Why should your business care?

Getting serious about emissions can help your business:

• Cut energy and operating costs
• Meet client and investor expectations
• Strengthen supplier relationships
• Attract and retain talent
• Stay ahead of regulations

 

Is net zero even achievable?

Yes, and not just for “green” businesses.

Plenty of mainstream companies are on the way to reaching net zero by 2050 and have obtained the Net Zero Business Certification with Planet Mark’s support, showing what’s possible across a range of industries. Here’s three Planet Mark Members driving climate action:

• Bywaters (waste management)
  Installed 4,000+ solar panels, improved recycling, and cut emissions by over 50% in ten years.
  Read more → Bywaters – A sustainability transformation
• Prologis UK (logistics property)
  Achieved a 28% reduction in whole-life carbon across 88 developments — equal to powering 122,000 homes for a year.
  Read more → Prologis – A journey to net zero buildings
• Impress Print Services (SME)
  Cut their footprint by 68% in seven years, installed 381 solar panels, and transitioned much of their fleet to electric.
  Read more → Impress Print – A sustainability journey

 

Where do you start with net zero?

Begin by understanding your current impact, from energy use and travel to waste and your supply chain. Then, build a plan to reduce it.

To help you get started, Planet Mark’s Net Zero Certification Programme provides tailored support to measure, act, and stay accountable, whether you're just beginning or already making progress.

 

Final thought

Net zero isn’t just a climate goal, it’s how future-focused businesses are operating.

You don’t need to know everything.  You just need a starting point and the right support to move forward.

 

Ready to start your net zero journey?

Talk with Planet Mark experts to learn how their Net Zero Certification Programme can help your business can take credible, confident action.

Discover the right net zero solutions for you. Book a free consultation now