Almost half of departments across multiple sectors allocate just 10% or less of their overall budget to sustainability. 

SFG20’s State of FM Report 2025 includes the opinions of more than 190 professionals working in a number of different built environment roles.

According to this, there are large variations between the net zero target dates of organisations, with no commonalities within industries.

Some analysts linking the inconsistencies to ongoing uncertainties. Adding to the lack of clarity, 32% of respondents said their employer still had no fixed date for zero emissions.

While budget restraints continue to be the main obstacle to net zero, other cultural and knowledge factors are also a hindrance. 72% of organisations in the research displayed a ‘resistance to change’, while 38% saw compliance and regulatory requirements as the biggest barrier. Just under one-third had difficulty measuring and tracking progress, and 22% lacked internal expertise around sustainability. 

The construction and building maintenance sectors play a significant role in the UK’s attempts at reducing carbon emissions. These sectors continue to be huge contributors to emissions, accounting for 37% of the global total.

‘As the drive towards net zero carbon continues, it’s evident that many organisations are still falling short when it comes to setting clear targets and allocating the necessary resources,’ said Paul Bullard, Product Director at SFG20.

‘It’s encouraging to see more businesses and FM professionals recognising the importance of sustainability, but the path to net zero carbon is complex and requires more than just ambition,’ he continued. ‘To overcome the barriers, a strategic and integrated approach is essential.’

Image: Rodeo Project Management Software / Unsplash

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