Co-founder of Innovation Zero, Tim Mann, argues businesses of all sizes across the country will provide the cutting-edge innovations that the UK needs to reach net zero.
Innovation is crucial to achieving net-zero emissions because it drives – at pace – the development and deployment of technologies needed to massively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a sustainable future, including cleaner energy sources and carbon capture technologies. And where will the bulk of this innovation come from? From businesses of course, large and small, located the length and breadth of the country.
Business innovation is vital to unlocking net zero goals. Given that many traditional methods of operation often rely on carbon-intensive processes, it will be innovation that helps companies transition to sustainable models in several ways.
Decarbonising operations
To meet net zero targets, businesses have to find new ways to reduce emissions in production, supply chains, and logistics. Innovations like renewable energy adoption, circular economy models, and energy-efficient technologies can significantly cut carbon footprints.
Developing low-carbon products and services
Consumer demand is shifting toward greener alternatives and innovation enables businesses to create sustainable products, such as electric vehicles, plant-based foods, and carbon-neutral packaging.
Enhancing resource efficiency
Cutting waste and optimising energy use lowers emissions and costs. Innovations like smart manufacturing, AI-driven energy management and waste-to-resource initiatives can all boost efficiency – and this is happening now.
Scaling carbon capture and removal technologies
Innovations in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) help offset unavoidable emissions. The UK government is providing significant funding for carbon capture, usage, and storage projects, including a £21.7bn investment over 25 years to support two CCUS clusters in the north west and north east of England. This investment aims to help the UK meet its net-zero targets, create jobs, and attract private investment in the sector. Nature-based solutions like reforestation also play a role in balancing emissions.
Improving business resilience and competitiveness
Companies that innovate early gain a competitive edge as regulations and consumer expectations tighten. Sustainable businesses also attract investment, reduce long-term costs, and minimise climate-related risks.
Enabling collaboration and systemic change
Innovation fosters cross-sector collaboration between businesses, governments, and academia. This cross-pollination of ideas is helping to develop new business models, such as sharing economies and digital platforms, which can really accelerate decarbonisation at scale.
Without business innovation, the transition to net zero using the methods outlined above would be slow, expensive, and in many cases impractical. Companies that embrace change will not only help mitigate climate change but also position themselves as leaders in the low-carbon economy.
About the author
Tim Mann is the Co-founder of Innovation Zero, an event for investors, funders, corporate buyers, and policymakers to connect over technology and service providers leading the charge in the low carbon economy. Supported by the UK government, Innovation Zero World provides a space and opportunity for collaboration, breaking down silos, and overcoming obstacles to drive large-scale, impactful progress towards global emissions reduction. The event's mission is to accelerate a just global transition to a low carbon economy by connecting innovators, funders, policymakers, and business leaders.
Innovation Zero World takes place at London's Olympia on 29-30 April 2025 and is the UK's largest net zero congress, now in its third year. This year, CBI Chief Executive Rain Newton-Smith will take to the stage to address delegates. Find out more at www.innovationzero.com.